At Employer Branding Africa, we conducted a survey to understand the preferences and challenges related to work arrangements among recruiters, talent acquisition specialists, and talent partners in South Africa. With a sample size of 56 participants, we gathered valuable insights and supplemented them with findings from a concurrent event on “The 4-day Week and Flexible Work Models in South Africa.” This report shares actionable data to inform decision-making and enhance talent attraction strategies.
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Key Findings:
Candidate Preferences:
- 34.6% of Generation Z respondents prefer fully remote work, while 23.2% of Professionals lean more towards hybrid work arrangements.
- Hybrid work, combining remote and in-office work, is favoured by the majority of respondents.
Challenges with Different Work Arrangements:
- Gen Z individuals face challenges with the lack of face-to-face and limited in-person interaction with managers and leaders.
- Professionals struggle with maintaining work-life balance, feeling disconnected during important discussions, and lacking face-to-face interaction and collaboration.
Benefits of Flexible Work Arrangements:
- Flexible work options, such as remote or hybrid work, improve work-life balance for both Gen Z and professionals.
- Approximately 57.1% of respondents report increased productivity, indicating the positive impact of flexible work options on employee performance.
Impact of Work Arrangements on Roles:
- Different roles are conducive to different work arrangements.
- In-person work is well-suited for manual labour and customer-facing roles, while remote or hybrid options suit business solutions/IT roles like Data Analyst, Systems Analyst, and Business Analyst.
Insights and Reflections:
- Tailored approaches aligning with operational requirements and company culture are essential in the current workplace landscape.
- Gen Z workers prioritize job stability and autonomy, challenging traditional corporate policies and rules.
- Leadership plays a crucial role in fostering trust and making informed decisions based on individual roles and industry requirements.
- The 4-day week work arrangement can address mental health issues, improve work-life balance, and prioritize employee well-being.
- A 4-day week provides a compelling offering for frontline workers and those in factory environments, offering them respite, rejuvenation, and improved job satisfaction.
- Hybrid workplaces emphasize the benefits of in-person collaboration while recognizing the limitations of remote work in establishing relationships and fostering employee development.
Conclusion:
The shift to new work arrangements requires a learning mindset, risk management, and a focus on productivity metrics. Empowering employees enables organizations to navigate this transition and create a thriving culture that prioritizes people’s success.
Note: This summary provides an overview of the main points covered in the survey findings. For a comprehensive understanding, please refer to the full report.