If 2020 was the year of banana bread and 2021 was the year of Squid Game and that Oprah interview, 2022 was the year of flexible working with the arrival of the four day working week global pilot programme.

Launched in June, the programme ran for six months, with 70 organisations signing up to trial a four-day working week in an initiative run by 4 Day Week Global in partnership with leading thinktank Autonomy. Midway results were positive, with the majority of companies stating that productivity increased despite workers being present for one day less a week.

Preliminary results from the trial show that companies which took part saw profits increase by 8%, with 97% of workers stating they wanted to continue with a four-day work wweek. However, for many companies and workers, simply switching to a four-day week may not be the answer. Critics argue that switching to a four-day work week sees employees cram five day’s worth of work into four––oftentimes leaving them more burned out and stressed than before.

True flexibility

Instead, several experts are calling for true flexibility. Studies from McKinsey show that there are now three types of workplace flexibility, and it argues that a four-day week does not reflect the changing nature of work, or allow for workers to integrate their lives and their careers in a way that is needed going forward.

True flexibility allows for flexible start and finish times, potential for a four-day week or for extended breaks in the middle of the day. Essentially, this approach gives autonomy to the worker, and allows them to fit their duties, tasks, and projects around external responsibilities such as childcare and family commitments.

It also means that those who work better can set their own hours, while the same can be applied to early birds. True flexibility acknowledges that not everybody works the same way. It assumes that workers want the best results for their employer and can be trusted not to take advantage.

Several companies are already working this way; Airbnb allows employees to adopt a ‘work anywhere, anytime’ approach––as long as it remains conducive to teamwork and hitting targets.

Regime change

While the 4-Day Week Global pilot program shows positivity among workers who experienced a four-day work week on the same salary, other research shows that the tech sector needs to embrace a more open-ended approach to flexibility. A Gartner study found that 43% of workers are more productive when working to their own schedule. When combined with the fact that 40% of workers have stated that they would leave their jobs if the option for remote working was removed, or they were not granted the flexibility they wanted, it is clear to see that the old 9-5 regime is changing.

While we wait to see what 2023 brings, for those who value work-life balance, it may be worthwhile researching new opportunities with companies known for offering employees true flexibility. The Finextra Job Board currently has dozens of opportunities from companies known for being good employers. We’ve selected three below to check out.

PayPal

As an employer, PayPal offers several non-financial benefits such as health insurance, gym membership and an onsite physio and beautician, but real benefit comes from its remote working policy.

PayPal is currently hiring for a number of roles across the UK, from interns to more senior roles. Opportunities include Financial Planning & Insights. Browse all roles, including fully remote opportunities, currently available at PayPal.  

Klarna

Remaining one step ahead of the rest, Klarna recently released a new hybrid work policy suitable for all employees. Based on learnings of the past two years, the company now allows all workers to work remotely and with flexible hours, as well as the opportunity to work abroad for up to 20 days each calendar year.

Klarna is currently hiring for a number of roles across its UK-based operation, including Delivery Manager and a Senior Product Designer. Browse all available opportunities at Klarna.   

Monzo

Fintech company Monzo offers Monzonauts the opportunity to work remotely or in-person as needed plus location flexibility. Monzo is currently hiring for a number of roles across the UK including a Digital Designer, Lead User Researcher, and Senior Data Scientist. Explore all opportunities at Monzo. 

Browse the Finextra Job Board to explore all available opportunities.