81% of workers prioritise flexibility when job hunting

Candidates expect greater flexibility around their work hours.

Around 81% of workers in Singapore are pointing to flexibility as a top consideration when weighing up an offer from a potential new employer.

According to Hays, 3% of candidates in Singapore were unsure about how they would rate flexibility as a job hunting consideration.

Hays managing director Lynne Roeder said the poll results are a symbol of the generational change that is influencing the way candidates want to work in 2017.

“Candidates are expecting greater flexibility around their hours of work which in turn, has increased their work-life balance expectations along with the ability to choose options such as ‘active-desking’ or to work from home for example," Roeder said.

She noted that the introduction of flexible working practices has become more popular because it has given the organisation.

"The promotion of a modern work environment with new technology and constant challenges is becoming more important in attracting candidates with a greater need for flexibility. These candidates will be attracted to employers that can satisfy their interest for variety and modern technology as this will be more conducive to the alignment of flexible working practices," she explained.

Looking at neighbouring countries, 89% in Malaysia ate flexible working practices as ‘very important’ when considering an employer and another seven percent as ‘important’ – a collective 96%.

In Hong Kong, 87% see flexibility as a very important consideration. It was different in China, where only 76% regard flexibility an important factor.