Over 75% of execs fear economic uncertainty will impact work flexibility: LinkedIn

Over 75% of execs fear economic uncertainty will impact work flexibility: LinkedIn

Progress made in important areas of working life such as flexible work is now at risk, as businesses find ways to cope with the current global economic conditions, according to a new survey by LinkedIn.

The professional services firm, which conducted a survey in large companies worldwide, found that 76% of UAE executives are worried that the progress made in flexible working and employee benefits could slow down due to economic uncertainty. Also at risk of getting pushed back are initiatives made around employee wellbeing and skills development across UAE companies.

“The current global climate is slowing down progress in important areas of working life such as skills development, employee wellbeing and flexible work across UAE businesses,” LinkedIn said on Monday.

LinkedIn polled more than 2,900 C-level executives worldwide for the study. In the UAE, while the majority of executives (77%) believe that flexible work conditions will remain for the next five years a least, over three-quarters believe that flexibility may no longer be a top priority as company leaders now look to bring back employees to the office.

The study found that more than half (51%) of companies now prioritise financial preparedness over the next six months to weather economic uncertainty and save