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LEADERSHIP REIMAGINED WHITEPAPER | 15 An element that’s grown increasingly Working in a supportive environment is important for many employees is flexibility in another crucial factor for employees. More how and when they do their work. Currently, and more, they are choosing to work for data shows that the average Australian works organisations that support their wellbeing and remotely for one-third of the week but would desire to maintain a better work–life balance. prefer to work from home at least half the According to a recent Randstad survey, 61% 24 time . of people “wouldn’t accept a job if they Our survey results show that 62% of thought it would negatively affect their work- 25 employees are comfortable with the idea of life balance” . working virtually or in a hybrid environment. How leaders can create a The results also identi昀椀ed the top three win-win for all reasons that impacted their preferences for Balancing employees’ needs and the needs of virtual or hybrid work: your organisation can be tricky, but there are 1. Flexibility in work hours three areas where leaders can make progress: and location • Fine-tuning flexibility • Enhancing engagement 2. Reduction in commute • Working on wellbeing time and associated costs Fine-tuning flexibility Some companies have expressed concerns 3. Better integration of about employee productivity when working work and personal life from home and the loss of culture in hybrid workplaces. However, recent research suggests that organisations that embrace flexibility, particularly time-based flexibility, can simultaneously enhance productivity and 26 improve company culture . 22 2023 Workplace Learning Report - Australia and New Zealand, 2023, LinkedIn Learning, 23 Global Talent Trends 2022-2023, 2023, Mercer 24 NAB Behavioural Insights – The Changing Workplace (Q2 2023), 2023, NAB 25 Workmonitor 2023, 2023, Randstad 26 Future Forum Pulse, 2023, Future Forum