Chief Executive Women today called for Australia’s business leaders to learn from COVID and embed flexibility as a strategic performance driver. New research released today, conducted in partnership with global consultancy firm Bain & Company, shows 95% of employees want flexibility and also want companies to encourage flexible work arrangements.

The report confirmed flexible and remote-work arrangements can work at scale and highlights flexible working as a key lever for economic growth. Key report findings:

• 2/3 of respondents say they expect their workplaces to become more flexible post-COVID
• 80% of respondents believe flexibility is viewed more favourably now than before the pandemic
• 63% of respondents said their company is more flexible than it was three years ago
• 95% said they would take a flexible arrangement in the next 3 years if offered

Although respondents said equal take up of flexibility is the most effective way to overcome barriers to gender equality in the workplace, there was concern about disadvantages such as restrictions to career progression, longer work hours and the need to be constantly accessible or ‘on call’.