Data Challenges Perceptions as Employees Prioritise Company Culture Over Flexible Working

Findings from Cpl’s Talent Evolution Group suggest employees care less about flexible working than generally thought. The survey,* to 1,500 UK employees, reveals Brits are more than twice as likely to leave their job due to negative company culture or a toxic working environment than because of limitations with flexible working. 

Whilst organisations may be prioritising flexibility for working parents, over 80% of 25–44-year-olds would not actually consider limitations to flexible working a reason to leave their position.  

The top reasons for employees to consider handing in their notice, in order of most likely, are: 

This data puts the onus on employers to prioritise employee satisfaction and instil an inclusive and positive culture in the workplace. Organisations must meet the needs of employees to attract and retain talent at a time where the talent shortage is at an all-time high. 

Barry Winkless, strategy and innovation director at Cpl’s Future of Work Institute, comments, “In a world competing for the best talent, many businesses are ill-equipped to position themselves as an attractive, human workplace. The creation of this human space requires a constant focus on ensuring a fully diverse and inclusive environment which allows people to be themselves at work. 

“By focusing on personal, emotional, and social needs across diverse workforces, we can continuously improve the humanity of an organisation. Meeting these new expectations of employees will be fundamental to retaining precious talent.” 

To discover the best ways to retain talent in this time of unprecedented change, and to better understand how to create a human space in the workplace, read Cpl’s Talent Evolution Group’s recent whitepaper, Catching the Next Wave of Talent Innovation. 

*This 2023 survey was conducted among 1,500 UK adults who have resigned from a job role within the last five years.