When women gain flexibility, businesses gain momentum: Hybrid work powering women’s progression

“Empowered Women Empower the Nation”

Marking the 70th anniversary of the 1956 Women’s March is so much more than just a public holiday honoring the leaders of South Africa’s women’s empowerment movement. It is also a moment to reflect on progress toward social and economic equality, to celebrate women’s achievements, and recognise their vital contribution to the economy. In the workplace, flexible and Hybrid working has become essential to career progression for Woman in South Africa, helping remove barriers so women can reach their full potential at work and at home — as mothers, wives, carers, and professionals.

In the last few years, businesses have increasingly recognised the need to better support women in the workplace. In a recent study done by International Workplace Group (IWG), there were some significant findings:

● Two thirds (66%) of women say more flexible ways of working are crucial to career progression – showing that when employers offer flexibility, barriers are removed

● 66% say flexible work has had a positive impact on their career, rising sharply for Millennials (79%) and Gen Z (76%), to strengthen future leadership pipelines

● 77% say they would be unlikely to take a job that does not offer hybrid working, underscoring

how flexibility is critical for attracting and retaining female talent

Research in the UK done by International Workplace Group reveals that when businesses give women access to professional workspaces closer to home, they gain stronger collaboration, networking and performance in return – bringing this year’s National Women’s Day theme, “Empower Woman, Empower the Nation”, to life.

Hybrid and more flexible ways of working are also driving higher levels of motivation and confidence at work, with two thirds (66%) of female employees reporting that hybrid working has had a positive impact on their career trajectory – rising to 79% of Millennials and 76% of Gen Zs.* By giving women greater autonomy over how and where they work, businesses gain a workforce that is empowered to perform to their full potential.

According to the study of more than 2,000 female workers, two thirds (66%) say that flexible working has improved their ability to share their knowledge and skills with other women – demonstrating how empowering women to work flexibly enables them to give more back to their organisations and peers. Importantly, 62% say they have found more opportunities to learn from women in leadership positions when able to work in a hybrid capacity, propelling their career trajectory and productivity forward.

This builds on recent research from IWG which revealed how flexible work can boost productivity by up to 12%, building on existing academic research that has previously cited 3–4% gains – reinforcing that when employers give flexibility, they gain measurable performance improvements in return.

Flexibility is a non-negotiable for female talent

Eight in 10 women (77%) say they would be unlikely to take a job that does not offer hybrid policies – showing how companies that do not offer flexibility risk significantly limiting their access to the best, most productive talent. Only 7% say access to flexible working would have no impact on accepting a prospective job offer.

Hybrid working is also boosting company loyalty, meaning businesses can retain the best talent. Almost three quarters (73%) of working women say that they are more likely to remain working for a company that allows them to save time commuting by working locally. Meanwhile, 64% say hybrid working has enabled them to stay in the workforce when they might otherwise have needed to leave due to caretaking responsibilities. By giving flexibility, employers gain continuity, experience and sustained workforce participation – all essential to boosting national productivity.

The findings suggest that hybrid working creates a beneficious circle; when women are empowered with flexibility and access to professional workspaces closer to home, they gain clearer pathways for progression and stronger engagement – and in turn, businesses gain enhanced collaboration, innovation, loyalty and productivity.

Long, daily commutes hinder progress

The flexibility to work where it is most convenient is opening doors for women, however those that are having to conduct long, often costly commutes into a central office multiple days a week are experiencing significant negative impacts on their personal life and careers.

Seven in 10 (68%) say that commutes reduce the amount of time they have for a personal life and wellbeing, and 64% argue that they make it harder to balance work with other responsibilities. A similar number (67%) say that they are left with less time to spend with family.

Commutes are also impacting professional performance – with reduced energy and productivity at work (61%), difficulty staying motivated in the office (56%) and a reduction in long-term career prospects (41%) – rising to 53% of those aged 18-24, a critical career development stage. Removing unnecessary commuting pressures allows women to give more focus, energy and productivity at work – a clear gain for both employers and employees.

Businesses benefit

Offering female workers flexibility is a win-win for businesses – as a previous study revealed that flexible working models are also driving productivity and talent retention. 69% of flexible businesses report improved productivity in their workforces, and the same percentage believe their policies have enhanced their ability to attract and retain top talent.**

A McKinsey study also revealed how companies with representation of women exceeding 30 percent (and thus in the top quartile) are significantly more likely to financially outperform those with 30 percent or fewer.***

Carolyn Elliman, Country Head of International Workplace Group Plc South Africa, commented:  For many women, flexibility is no longer a preference, it is what makes long-term career progression possible. Businesses that embrace hybrid working are not only creating more inclusive workplaces, but they are also strengthening their ability to attract, retain and develop top talent. That’s good for women, good for business and ultimately good for South Africa’s economy.”

Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group Plc, commented: “When employees are able to work closer to home in convenient and professional workspaces, they gain more than flexibility. Hybrid working is opening doors to collaboration and career progression, while reducing the drag of long daily commutes. For female talent, flexible working is a catalyst for growth.”

For more information, visit International Workplace Group