Could the 9 to 5 working day be on its way out? In the UK it could, study suggests

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For many employees, it’s important to work in an environment that they enjoy.

“People are looking for jobs that work for them,” said Paul Pomroy, McDonald’s U.K. & Ireland CEO, in a statement. What these figures highlight, Pomroy acknowledged, is that in order to draw in, retain and motivate workers, companies would have to generate opportunities that “genuinely work for people whatever their age, life stage, or ambition.”

“The business case is clear, as are the links to improved happiness and wellbeing — people simply don’t want to work 9-5 anymore,” the chief executive added.

Yet while this may all seem ideal, over a quarter of those employed said in the study that they didn’t expect their organization would allow them to work flexible hours, or feel unable to ask.

“More organizations need to think about flexible working,” said Peter Cheese, the CEO of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, in a statement.

“While government has a role to play in driving change across the labor market, employers also need to take charge, putting flexible working options in place and improving behaviors and attitudes towards flexible working to create a win-win for individuals and organizations.”

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