We surveyed and held focussed discussions with our network of tax professionals across Commerce & Industry, Financial Services and Professional Services in order to gain specific insight into how both clients and candidates feel about flexible working and how policies may be modified to reflect this following the COVID-19 pandemic. A resounding 100% of tax professionals felt that flexible working will increase following the COVID-19 pandemic.
Candidate Analysis
76% of respondents enjoyed working from home. Of these respondents the leading benefits were identified as:
- Time saved on commute (61%)
- Increased flexibility to manage workload (27%)
- Money saved (9%)
Of the 24% who have not enjoyed WFH the main drawbacks highlighted were:
- Missing social interaction with colleagues & friends in the office (58%)
- Lack of structure and motivation in the working day (32%)
- Insufficient IT & communications infrastructure to adequately perform duties (8%)
Client Analysis
Of clients surveyed two main challenges emerged around current and future flexible working policies. Initial consideration is being given to the staged reopening of offices following the immediate aftermath of COVID-19 and the end of lockdown. Further consideration is being given to the anticipated long term implementation of these flexible working policies.
82% of respondents will be implementing reduced occupancy strategies when reopening their offices immediately following lockdown.
Following the reopening process 71% of clients anticipate their flexible working policies to be extended until a vaccine or cure to coronavirus has been identified.
52% think that following a vaccine or cure that flexible working policies will remain in place allowing employees to attend the office based on their own judgment around safety and work life balance.
If you would like to discuss our findings in more detail, please feel free to contact:
Author: Graham Young – Director
Tel: 020 3826 8832
Email: info@capitaltaxrecruitment.com