Responding to Timewise Foundation’s new research “The Flexibility Trap”, Sarah Jackson, Chief Executive of Working Families comments.

“This research shows there is a clear business case for change. Flexible working is a means to an end – delivering highly productive, engaged and motivated workers. Unless flexible workers are given equal opportunities for advancing their careers, the business benefits will be undermined. “We should not be asking women or men to choose between a work life balance and a career, it is high time they had both. We welcome the Power Part Time list as it showcases best practice.

But all employers can learn from this research and consider flexibility in their job designs. We’re working on a “Happy to talk flexible working” strapline for employers to include in job advertisements to ensure they are fishing from the widest talent pool. The strapline will signal an employer’s willingness to discuss outputs, rather than hours, and open up many more jobs for potential part time applicants who keen to advance their careers without sacrificing family time.”