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07/05/2002
Young accountants press for flexible working hours
Most accountants under the age of 30 want a shorter working week, according to the latest research into flexible working hours within the profession.
The study's results, which were announced to delegates at the Young Business Leader's Forum, held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW), showed that 61% wanted a compressed working week and that 22% of all accountants said that flexible working hours were one of the main factors keeping them in their current job.
The findings highlight a major cultural shift within a competitive and high-paying profession and reflect the need for a flexible approach from employers so that long working hours do not dictate all other activities.
The study, undertaken by UMIST School of Management and Manchester Metropolitan University, and sponsored by the ICAEW, finds a modern approach to working hours is not only in the interest of the employee, but can also result in better corporate performance.
Flexible working practices are now widely viewed as a strategic response to the changing nature of accountancy. Not only are the values and experiences of recruits changing, but so too are the clients' working patterns. Communication technology means a nine-to-five approach is no longer a necessity. A rigid approach may not meet a client's needs, and flexible working hours and gaining the competitive edge is another force driving employers to review the working day.
Kathryn Britten, partner of BDO Stoy Hayward, who also chaired the research steering group of the Flexible Futures study, said: "The major barrier to effective flexible working is the fear of damaging career progression. But the top staff will always have their pick of jobs so employers need to resolve any stigma attached to flexible working if they want to become employers of choice. However, this is a two-way process. This research shows that flexible working arrangements work best when there is give and take on both sides."
For a copy of Flexible Futures: Flexible Working and work-life integration in the accountancy profession (Stage 2), please contact Jennifer Hay on 020 7920 8634.
(KMcA)
The study's results, which were announced to delegates at the Young Business Leader's Forum, held by the Institute of Chartered Accountants (ICAEW), showed that 61% wanted a compressed working week and that 22% of all accountants said that flexible working hours were one of the main factors keeping them in their current job.
The findings highlight a major cultural shift within a competitive and high-paying profession and reflect the need for a flexible approach from employers so that long working hours do not dictate all other activities.
The study, undertaken by UMIST School of Management and Manchester Metropolitan University, and sponsored by the ICAEW, finds a modern approach to working hours is not only in the interest of the employee, but can also result in better corporate performance.
Flexible working practices are now widely viewed as a strategic response to the changing nature of accountancy. Not only are the values and experiences of recruits changing, but so too are the clients' working patterns. Communication technology means a nine-to-five approach is no longer a necessity. A rigid approach may not meet a client's needs, and flexible working hours and gaining the competitive edge is another force driving employers to review the working day.
Kathryn Britten, partner of BDO Stoy Hayward, who also chaired the research steering group of the Flexible Futures study, said: "The major barrier to effective flexible working is the fear of damaging career progression. But the top staff will always have their pick of jobs so employers need to resolve any stigma attached to flexible working if they want to become employers of choice. However, this is a two-way process. This research shows that flexible working arrangements work best when there is give and take on both sides."
For a copy of Flexible Futures: Flexible Working and work-life integration in the accountancy profession (Stage 2), please contact Jennifer Hay on 020 7920 8634.
(KMcA)
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