A new study conducted by Timewise concluded that changes are coming to the construction industry in terms of flexibility and working from home.
The leading and flexible working consultancy group, found that job adverts for surveyors, site managers, scaffolders, all offered a form of flexible working.
According to the ONS, more than three-quarters of those who worked from home in some capacity said that being able to work from home has improved their work life balance, as well as being able to work quicker, and having fewer distractions.
They also found that 11% of the jobs were part time (in an office) and 4% included some form of home working and unspecified ‘flexible working’ including 1% of them offering flexible shifts in onsite jobs.
However, the report established that the construction industry still remains the second worst industry to find a flexible job.
Construction engineering company, Skanska, was amongst others to be recognised by Timewise. Other organisation who were also recognised included BAM, Wilmott Dixon, as well as BAM Nuttall.
Skanska UK Inclusion and Diversity Manager, Alice Jennison commented:
“The findings from the TimeWise trials have shown the benefits for the workforce and our business. Uniquely, these trials also show how to approach flexible working on a live construction site, an area where flexible working has been considered too difficult to manage.
“The results from this report provide guidance, advice and case studies to enable the industry to provide flexible working for all.”
Amy Butterworth, Head of Consultancy at Timewise adds:
“The constraints that hold back further progress in the construction sector are well known – the complex nature of onsite work in teams and with supply chains, the pressure of deadlines, contracting arrangements, the culture that prevents people from feeling they can ask for it.
“But the past few years have shown just what is possible when you apply imagination to way on-site work is organised and shifts are scheduled. There are 3.8m shift workers in the UK – they cannot be left out of the flexible working revolution. Forward-thinking employers in the construction sector are already investing in solutions that create a better work-life balance for their teams on site. More is urgently needed.”
