Introducing 'Generation Flex': Flexible Working is Now Expected by Canadians

• 85 per cent of Canadian business people turn down a job that didn't offer flexible working
• Over half (54 per cent) of Canadian respondents say that having a choice of work location is more important than working for a prestigious company
• As a result, in the past ten years, 69 per cent of surveyed Canadian business people say their companies have introduced a flexible workspace policy

TORONTO, March 26, 2019 /CNW/ - A new global study suggests there has been a power shift towards the employee. In many sectors, companies are no longer dictating what the regular work day looks like, instead the employees—the new so-called 'Generation Flex'—are calling the shots about when, where and how they want to work.

Research conducted by leading flexible workspace provider, IWG, shows that 85 per cent of Canadian respondents would choose a job that offered flexible working over a job that didn't. Additionally, more than half (54%) say having a choice of work location is more important than working for a prestigious company and almost a third (28%) would prefer to choose their work location over an increase in vacation time.

In light of these findings, it's no surprise that 77 per cent of Canadian respondents believe flexible working has become the new normal. As a result, in the past ten years, 69 per cent of surveyed Canadian business people say their companies have introduced a flexible workspace policy.

"Flexible work is not just preferred by workers, it's expected," says Wayne Berger, CEO, IWG Canada and Latin America. "Having a company that's nimble enough to change with the times has never been more important. For companies serious about winning the war for talent, offering flexible arrangements is now the norm."

Corporate Culture Gets In The Way of Flexibility
Despite the fact that the majority of Canadian businesses have a flexible workplace policy, there's one overriding factor standing in the way of companies fully adopting the changes: corporate culture. Sixty per cent of Canadians surveyed say that organizational culture is the main barrier to implementing flexible work, particularly for businesses that have a long-standing, non-flexible working approach. Almost half of Canadian respondents believe businesses fear the idea of embracing flexible working (45%) and many believe there is a lack of understanding about the benefits of flexible working (42%).

"More than ever, employees expect competitive offers, which includes dynamic working arrangements," contines Berger. "Businesses that fail to embrace the cultural and financial benefits of flexible working risk being ignored by top talent and being seen as out of touch by their industry peers. It's no longer a matter of if or when the workforce will change — it's already happening."

The evidence is indisputable that modern businesses must embrace a flexible working culture on at least some level in order to stay competitive. It is clear that, with the emergence of 'Generation Flex', agile workspaces are officially here to stay.

For more information about IWG, its range of flexible workspace companies and the Global Workspace Survey, visit www.iwgplc.com  

*For the majority of those surveyed, the definition of a flexible workspace policy is the ability to choose and change their workplace location.

About the Global Workspace Survey
The IWG Global Workspace Survey has been running for 10 years. Over 15,000 professionals from a range of different industries in 80 countries were surveyed in the IWG Global Workplace Survey. Respondents were canvassed online in January 2019 and contacts were drawn out of a pool of customers, prospects and business leaders from over 80 countries. The survey was independently managed by MindMetre Research. Respondents were asked for their views on the changing workplace and flexible working.  To read the full research report click here.

About IWG
IWG is leading the workspace revolution and its companies, which include Regus and Spaces, help more than 2.5 million people and their businesses to work more productively. They do so by providing a choice of professional, inspiring and collaborative workspaces, communities and services.

Digitalization and new technologies are transforming the world of work. People want the personal productivity benefits of living and working how and where they want. Businesses want the financial and strategic benefits. IWG customers are start-ups, small and medium-sized enterprises, and large multinationals with unique business goals, people and aspirations. They want workspaces and communities to match their needs. They want choice.

IWG's companies - Regus, Spaces, No18, Basepoint, Open Office and Signature –create personal, financial and strategic value for businesses of every size. From some of the most exciting companies and well-known organizations on the planet, to individuals and the next generation of industry leaders, each is able to harness the power of flexible working to increase their productivity, efficiency, agility and market proximity. Learn more at www.iwgplc.com.

SOURCE IWG

Linda North, North PR, Phone: [phone], Email: [email protected]