Velocity Research Report 2022

INTRODUCTION
FLEXIBLE WORKING IS A VITAL COMPONENT IN TALENT
PROTECTION STRATEGIES
Shortage of talent is one of the most pressing issues facing businesses today. The pandemic inspired the
Great Resignation – which saw over eight million Americans quit their jobs in just two months during 2021
and a record 400,00 in the UK leaving the labour market for good – has exacerbated existing skills shortages,
especially in technology.
As this research confirms, employees don’t just expect flexible working, they are actively making career
changes to realise their flexible visions – whether that is in hours, location or a mixture of both. Employees
that are not offered the chance for flexible, remote or asynchronous working will walk – straight into another
job. Nearly half (47%) of UK employees will actively look for alternative employment if the level of
flexibility required is not on offer – rising to nearly 60% for those aged 25 to 34.
While the numbers are lower in the USA, (39% of all employees), almost half (49%) of Americans aged
between 25 and 34 will also look for alternative employment if businesses do not offer the flexible
approaches to working models they now expect.
Flexible employment models are now an essential component of employee recruitment and retention
strategies.
As a result, companies are falling over themselves in a bid to attract and retain staff – from £150,000 starting
salaries for graduate lawyers to a growing acceptance of millennials’ desire for second jobs. And yet, far too
many businesses are totally missing the fundamental shift in attitude that has occurred over the past two
years: there is no desire to return to a pre-pandemic, five day week in an office.
AGE
25 - 34
AGE
25 - 34
UK 47% USA 39%
EMPLOYEES ACTIVELY LOOKING FOR MORE FLEXIBLE EMPLOYMENT
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