Latest research by Regus reveals that flexibility is a key value for Canadian business workers, with three in five reporting they would turn down a job where flexibility was not offered at all. In addition, 39 per cent report they would have stayed longer in a previous job had flexible working been an option, highlighting what an important hiring and retention tool flexible working has become.

Almost 40,000 business people were interviewed globally, and they reveal that flexible working can bring about a startlingly wide array of benefits. Specifically, working closer to home helps workers feel more rested and lead healthier lifestyles, as it reduces stressful commutes or allows them to cycle or walk to work. Perhaps more importantly, access to locations closer to work also mean that workers can spend more time with family and friends.

Key Canadian findings:

• Flexible workers are seen as having more spare time by 79% of Canadian workers, as they can choose work location and workload;
• Four in five say flexible workers are better able to juggle personal and professional demands;
• 66% say that flexible workers are more mindful and are better able to assess their levels of well-being;
• Not only do business people think that flexible workers are more rested as they cut down gruelling commutes (71%), but that they are healthier for it (78%), and in a better position to hit the gym more often (69%)
• Most importantly though, flexible working is seen as helping people spend more time with family and friends (94%) so it is not surprising that nearly all Canadians (95%) would pick a job that offers flexibility between two similar positions
• 61% go as far as to say they would turn down a job where not flexibility was ruled out entirely.

“Flexibility, and specifically the ability to choose to work from a location closer to home are becoming ever more important to helping modern workers find a balance between their hectic work lives and their physical and emotional demands,” says Wayne Berger, VP Regus Canada. “Businesses wanting to attract and retain highly skilled and valuable workers cannot afford to ignore how important providing good work-life balance has become.”

“What is surprising is the range and breadth of benefits that business people say they could derive working closer to home. From being able to cycle to work, to catching a nap, the benefits translate into greater ‘mindfulness’ driven by better health and more time to spend on hobbies and with loved ones.”