Flexible working practices will help fight the growing skills gap

Research by www.theitjobboard.com reveals a whopping 93 per cent of IT professionals would like the option of working more flexible hours

Just over a quarter of IT professionals have turned down a job because the position did not offer flexible working, according to research by online recruitment specialist www.theitjobboard.com.

In addition, 93.2 per cent of IT professionals would like the option to work flexible hours, but 47.1 per cent thought a request for flexible working would be refused by their employer, and 10.3 per cent felt it would label them as a troublemaker.

Ray Duggins, managing director of www.theitjobboard.com, said: “With an impending skills crisis in the IT sector, employers have no option but to ensure they are going the extra mile to retain high-calibre candidates – and that starts with an attractive recruitment package.

“Failure to focus on this aspect will severely damage their business offering. Our research shows that flexible working is clearly highly valued by current staff and potential candidates – companies that take this issue seriously will reap the rewards.”

“The flexible working issue runs deeper than guarding against the skills crisis – all organisations now have a responsibility to society as a whole to be more 'green',” he said. "Reducing the amount that people have to travel not only improves the quality of their life, but will be of long term benefit to the environment.”