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Why Flexible Working Needs to Be the Norm—Not a Privilege

Writer's picture: Sarah HardySarah Hardy

Updated: 6 days ago

The traditional 9-5 office job isn’t inclusive—not for a wide range of people, and for countless reasons. From caring responsibilities to invisible disabilities, the rigidity of traditional work structures often excludes talented and capable individuals from participating in the workforce.


But flexible working isn’t just about convenience—it’s about creating an inclusive, accessible, and equitable workplace for everyone.


The Reality Behind Flexible Working


For some, flexible working is the only way to balance their caring responsibilities, whether that’s looking after children or elderly family members. For others, it’s about managing health conditions or disabilities they may not feel comfortable disclosing to their employer.

Even those without specific health or family challenges often find the rigid office-based 9-5 structure outdated and inefficient.


Yet, despite the growing conversation around hybrid and remote work, many employees still fear requesting flexible work arrangements due to stigma. Too often, these requests are met with resistance and are wrongly perceived as a lack of commitment or ambition.

Personally, I’ve experienced the frustration and disappointment of asking for a small adjustment to improve my work-life balance, only to be met with reluctance or outright rejection.


Breaking Down the Barriers to Flexible Work


There’s a long-standing misconception that flexible working is a privilege rather than a practical necessity. But as Molly Johnson-Jones, co-founder of Flexa Careers, highlights—barriers to flexible work don’t mean people can’t work, they simply mean the traditional 9-5 structure isn’t accessible to them.


Why Making Flexible Work the Norm Matters


💡 It unlocks a talent pool of skilled professionals currently being excluded.💡 It improves employee well-being, reducing burnout and stress-related absences.💡 It enhances productivity, as employees can work during their most effective hours.💡 It creates a more inclusive workplace, attracting and retaining diverse talent.

If flexible working became the default rather than the exception, businesses would benefit from a more engaged, productive, and loyal workforce, while employees would be able to work without sacrificing their health, family, or well-being.




Flexible work doesn’t just benefit employees—it also plays a key role in closing the gender pension gap.

According to the 2024 Gender Pensions Gap Report:

📌 Women retire with an average pension savings of £69,000, compared to £205,000 for men.

📌 To close this gap, a girl would need to start saving for her pension at just three years old.📌 Career gaps due to childcare and other responsibilities lead to an average 10-year career gap for women, resulting in £39,000 in lost pension savings.


These figures highlight why flexibility in the workplace isn’t just a “perk”—it’s essential for long-term financial security and gender equality.


If more organisations embraced flexible work as the norm, fewer people—especially women—would be forced to choose between career progression and personal responsibilities.


Making Flexible Working the Standard


Imagine a world where flexible work was the default, rather than something employees had to request (and justify).


Many organisations and advocates, including Flexa, Flex Appeal, Flexible Working People, Joeli Brearley, and Pregnant Then Screwed, are fighting to make flexible working accessible for everyone. Their work is paving the way for a future where flexibility isn’t an exception, but an expectation.


Businesses that prioritise flexibility will ultimately be the ones that attract and retain top talent.


Let’s Embrace Change Together


Flexible working isn’t just about making life easier for individuals—it’s about building a workforce that values inclusion, equity, and the diverse needs of employees.

It’s time for employers to stop viewing flexibility as a “perk” and start recognising it as a necessity for a fairer, more accessible future of work.


💬 What does flexible working mean to you? Has it transformed your career or life? Let’s continue the conversation—drop your thoughts in the comments!


Quote Credit: Gender Pensions Gap Report 2024



Elderly man sits on a bench overlooking a sunlit plaza, with people walking past. Building with 'ISSEN' sign and trees in the background.

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