UK workers seek flexible work, salary transparency

LONDON, UNITED KINGDOM — Flexible work policies and pay transparency remain key priorities for employees in the United Kingdom, according to the hiring platform Greenhouse. 

In its 2023 Greenhouse Candidate Experience Report, 77% of over 800 UK workers would seek new employment if their companies rescinded flexible work arrangements.

In addition, over 40% of workers refuse to apply for roles lacking their preferred work model, with 47% favoring a hybrid approach and 11% preferring complete remote work.

Pay transparency also heavily influences job applications in the UK. Over 40% of respondents stated they were likely to apply for roles with published salary ranges, and 24% were less likely to apply if salary ranges were absent.

Greenhouse EMEA General Manager Colm O’Cuinneain emphasized the significance of these changing workplace expectations. 

​​”Organisations need to adapt to this new era of recruitment conditions or run the risk of missing out on top talent and ultimately business success,” he added.

However, Greenhouse’s study also found that discriminatory practices persist in recruitment, with 57% of respondents claiming they had been ‘ghosted’ by employers after interviews. 

Furthermore, candidates from historically underrepresented groups were 20% more likely to experience ghosting from recruiters than white candidates.

The report also revealed that workers usually leave their jobs due to less competitive compensation (35%) and lack of job security (25%). 

Lack of clear career advancement opportunities (24%), a mismatch in company culture to what was advertised (17%), and lack of transparency from leaders (17%) round out the list.