Flexible work ‘is the tops’

By the Editorial Team · Friday, September 18, 2026

A recent survey by the Chartered Management Institute found that 37 percent of managers consider flexible working arrangements, such as remote or hybrid options, as a primary reason for staying with their employers. This trend highlights a growing preference for adaptable work environments over traditional incentives, suggesting that flexible policies will be crucial for retaining managerial talent amid evolving workforce expectations.

Flexible working arrangements have emerged as a leading factor influencing managerial retention, according to recent research by the Chartered Management Institute. In a survey of 1,035 managers, 37 percent identified options such as remote and hybrid working as key reasons for remaining with their current employers.

The study highlights a shift in workplace priorities, with flexible work now ranking above traditional incentives like job security and salary in importance. While 32 percent of respondents cited job security as a key retention factor, and 30 percent pointed to engaging work, only 24 percent highlighted competitive pay as a primary reason for staying.

These findings come amid government proposals aimed at making it more difficult for employers to deny flexible working requests, reflecting a broader trend towards accommodating employee preferences for work-life balance. The emphasis on flexibility underscores changing expectations across the workforce, particularly among managerial staff, who appear increasingly likely to prioritize adaptable work environments.

Overall, the research suggests that policies supporting flexible work may be critical for organizations seeking to retain managerial talent in a competitive labor market.

This article was reported by synthesizing coverage from multiple independent news outlets to present a balanced, unbiased account. Read about our editorial standards. Spotted an error? Let us know.