A majority of Canadian employees want their employer to implement flexible work hours (68 per cent) and remote working options (52 per cent) to help them feel more in control of their workday, according to a survey by the Harris Poll on behalf of Express Services Inc.
The survey, which polled more than 500 employers and 1,000 workers, found employee respondents said they’d like their employer to further support control over their workdays through methods such as communicating the importance of work-life balance (51 per cent) and additional paid time off (44 per cent).
The majority (82 per cent) of employer respondents said they’ve taken actions to ensure employees feel more in control, including offering flexible hours (41 per cent), communicating the importance of work-life balance (36 per cent) and offering remote working options (34 per cent).
Read: Younger U.S. workers seeking paid time off, flexible work in job search: survey
More than half (57 per cent) of employers said they’re actively identifying and eliminating ‘time wasters’ such as online distractions (45 per cent), disorganization (45 per cent), unnecessary tasks such as redundant approval processes and reporting (39 per cent) and unnecessary meetings (35 per cent).
“Today’s workforce has so many factors fighting for its attention that it makes sense to implement tactics to increase focus and productivity, but it must be done mindfully,” said Bill Stoller, chief executive officer of Express Services, in a press release. “Successful companies are ones where employees are engaged and feel valued. Once that foundation is in place, these workers will buy into a culture of efficiency because they believe in a higher purpose for their employment.”
Read: 90% of employers say employees with flexible work arrangements are productive