Remote working exceptions not being met

New research has showed that the public sector is failing to meet workers’ remote working needs, with less than a third wanting the option allowed to do so.

Capita, who released the findings, cites that 65 per cent of public sector workers would like the option to work remotely, citing a better work-life balance (62 per cent), reducing their transport costs (45 per cent), and carbon footprint (37 per cent) as their biggest drivers for doing so.

The State of IT - The Employee Verdict report highlights that after salary (88 per cent), holiday entitlement (80 per cent) and a workplace pension (67 per cent), respondents ranked flexible/remote working (61 per cent) as most important to their happiness at work ahead of health insurance (15 per cent), an annual travel card (seven per cent) and a company car (five per cent).

The research also found that 61 per cent of employees are currently allowed to work remotely.

Joe Hemming, executive officer, Capita IT & Networks, said: “Today’s workforce is increasingly demanding the ability to work wherever and whenever they want. In the long run, an inability to offer remote, flexible working could leave an organisation watching some of its best employees heading for the exit. At a time when employee retention and productivity is front of mind for many organisations, it is imperative that they have the policies in place that encourage rather than hinder flexible working practices.”