The Flexibility Revolution: What Workers Really Want in 2026
Employflex Flexible Work Survey 2026 – Our Key Findings
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The way we work has changed forever. But are employers keeping up?
Employflex surveyed over 300 professionals across Ireland to find out what workers truly want and the results are striking. From career returners to experienced professionals, one message rings loud and clear: flexibility is no longer a perk. It’s a dealbreaker.
Who We Heard From
Our respondents represent a broad cross-section of the workforce from those just starting out to seasoned professionals with 15+ years of experience. Nearly half of respondents who were not currently working cited clear, preventable barriers to returning , barriers that employers have the power to remove.
The Numbers That Matter
99% would stay longer in a role that offered flexibility
This is perhaps the most powerful stat in our entire survey. Of our respondents, 99% said yes, they would remain in a role longer if flexibility was on the table. Not one single person said no.
For employers, the retention implications alone make a compelling business case.
78.5% would take a pay cut for greater flexibility
Nearly 4 in 5 respondents said they would accept a reduced salary in exchange for more flexible working arrangements. Workers aren’t just saying they want flexibility, they are willing to put their money where their mouth is.
This tells us something profound: flexibility has a real monetary value to employees, one that many employers are failing to factor into their talent strategy.
87.7% find it difficult to find genuinely flexible roles
Despite the overwhelming demand, the supply simply isn’t there. Almost 9 in 10 respondents described finding genuinely flexible roles as difficult. Only 3.77% said it was easy.
This is the gap that Employflex exists to close.
Workers are ready to move and now
When asked how soon they would be ready to start if the right flexible role became available, a significant portion said immediately or within one month. The talent pool is motivated, available, and waiting. The question is whether employers are ready to meet them.
What Are Workers Looking For?
When asked about the type of flexibility they most value, the top preferences included:
• Remote work : the ability to work from home or any location
• Hybrid working : a blend of office and remote
• A four-day week : same output, better balance
• Reduced hours or part-time : particularly valued by those with caring responsibilities
• Compressed hours : five days’ work completed in four
This isn’t a one-size-fits-all picture. Workers want options , and the employers who offer them will win the war for talent.
The Hidden Talent Pool
Of those not currently working, the main barriers to returning were clear:
• Lack of flexible roles was the single biggest barrier
• Childcare and caring responsibilities are disproportionately affecting women
• Commute and location was particularly relevant outside major cities
• Confidence and time out of the workforce pointing to a skills and support challenge
These are not people who don’t want to work. These are skilled, experienced professionals who cannot work under the conditions currently on offer. With the right flexible role, many are ready to return immediately.
What Workers Prioritise When Choosing a Role
When asked about the most important factor when considering a new position, authentic flexibility ranked among the very top, alongside salary and company culture.
The keyword here is authentic. Workers have seen too many job ads claim flexibility that doesn’t materialise in practice. They want employers who mean it.
The Cost of Inflexibility
Have you ever left a job because of a lack of flexibility?
A significant proportion of respondents answered yes meaning companies are already losing good people over this issue. The cost of replacing an employee for example recruitment fees, onboarding time, lost productivity far outweighs the cost of simply offering a more flexible arrangement in the first place.
What This Means for Employers
The data tells a clear story:
1. Flexibility drives retention in that 99% of workers will stay longer for it
2. It attracts talent others can’t reach including career returners and experienced professionals
3. Demand massively outstrips supply the employers who offer it stand out immediately
4. Workers will trade salary for it and it’s one of the most valued benefits you can offer
5. The cost of ignoring it is high and people are already leaving jobs because of it
Working With Employflex
At Employflex, we connect businesses with skilled professionals who are actively seeking flexible roles. Whether you’re looking to build a part-time team, hire a flexible senior professional, or attract talent that traditional job ads aren’t reaching, we can help.
The talent is out there. They just need the right opportunity.
Call us today to see how we can help you – 087 9722498
Survey conducted April 2026. 307 respondents.