Flexible Working Solutions Appeals To All

A recent article on the BBC website claimed a report commissioned by Zurich Insurance and backed by the government that women are 20% more likely to apply for senior roles if the employer is able to offer flexible hours. Zurich, employ over 4500 people in the UK and began to advertise for part-time, job share or flexible options in their job vacancies last year; the net result of this has been an increase of 33% of the number of women hired for senior management and C Suite roles.

Tracy Fletcher, Managing Director of Campbell & Fletcher Recruitment commented

“This is great to see. We know Zurich have always been fully committed to their membership of the Women In Finance Charter, and we know of other major financial institutions considering or having already implemented similar talent acquisition strategies in their job advertising. By being able to offer positions that fit around family life and often child care commitment they can almost be assured of opening the role to a much wider talent pool.” 

The research found that without flexibility some women believed they may struggle to progress in their careers due to their primary caring responsibilities and in fact may even consider career changes or leaving the workplace. The survey was carried out between March 2019 and February 2020, and it also found that flexible working options appealed to men also.

Tracy added

“The best companies want the best candidates who are truly qualified, and having a diverse recruitment programme that offer flexible working solutions can only have long-lasting benefits for the company.”

Campbell & Fletcher Recruitment work across the United Kingdom sourcing the highest equality talent in the banking and financial services industries. We are proud members of the Women in Finance Charter and are committed to closing the gender diversity gap.