One in five employees who want flexible working don't get it

A fifth of employees who would like to work flexibly are not offered the chance to do so, despite the benefits it would deliver, according to research from Health Shield Friendly Society.

A total of 81% of those who are offered flexible work arrangements say it has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing, Health Shield’s Britain at Work study revealed.

The study of 2,000 UK employees found:

• One in five (20%) employees say they are not offered flexible working but would value it. 
• Overall, 74% of employees are offered flexible working arrangements, with more than four in five (81%) of them saying it has a positive impact on their health and wellbeing.
• Among employees who work fully on site, 42% would value the opportunity to work remotely or in a hybrid role.
• Among employees who work fully on site and believe their role could be done remotely or hybrid, 78% would welcome the opportunity to work more flexibly.
• Younger workers are far more likely to be offered flexible working than older colleagues (83% of those under 44 vs 62% of those 44 or over).
• Women are more likely to work fully on site than men (61% vs 54%).
• Part time workers are more likely to work on site (69%).

Paul Shires, director at Health Shield, said: "Flexible working has become one of the most effective ways employers can support the health and wellbeing of their people, but our research shows access remains uneven.

"For many employees, flexibility isn't simply about convenience. It can make it easier to attend medical appointments, better manage caring responsibilities, reduce the stress of commuting and achieve a healthier balance between work and personal life.

“Giving employees greater flexibility where roles allow it, alongside providing valued health benefits, are two of the simplest changes employers can make to improve wellbeing, reduce unnecessary stress and strengthen retention.”

Perry Timms, an HR influencer who is founder and chief energy officer of PTHR, added: "Flexible working has become part of the foundation of good work, as opposed to a perk.

"Our findings suggest employees who have flexibility experience a positive impact on their wellbeing. Yet, too many people still don't have access to it, particularly those working in more traditional workplace settings.

"The challenge for employers is to design work in ways that gives people greater autonomy wherever possible. Organisations that do this are far more likely to build healthier, more engaged and resilient workforces."

The report contains broker insight from Emily Jones, head of workplace wellbeing at Broadstone Financial Solutions. She said: “Flexible working won't be appropriate for every role but alongside benefits such as everyday healthcare support, it can play an important role in improving wellbeing, engagement and retention."

To read the full Britain at Work Report please visit: www.healthshield.co.uk/britainatwork

Ends

Editors notes

The research was conducted by Censuswide on behalf of Health Shield Friendly Society across 2,002 UK employees between 27 March and 1 April 2026.

Censuswide is a member of the Market Research Society (MRS) and the British Polling Council (BPC). It is a signatory of the Global Data Quality Pledge and adheres to the MRS Code of Conduct and ESOMAR principles.

About Health Shield Friendly Society

Health Shield is an award-winning friendly society, dedicated to helping businesses stay in the best of health by providing employee health benefits. Founded in 1877 to support the health of railway workers, today the not-for-profit mutual provides employee health benefits to businesses across the UK, covering more than 500,000 people. Its award-winning product offering includes health cash plans and health screening services designed for prevention and early intervention.

For more information visit: https://www.healthshield.co.uk/