Flexible work options could help public sector retain staff - survey

Public sector organisations are being urged to modernise their workplace policies with a view to increasing flexible working opportunities for permanent and temporary staff.

Research by recruitment firm Accordant Group has found government organisations would benefit from new, innovative, and flexible ways to recruit and retain non-permanent and permanent workers.

Accordant chief executive Jason Cherrington said nearly a quarter of survey respondents had continuously undertaken temporary, casual, or fixed-term work over the past two years.

"With low unemployment levels coupled with limited immigration settings over the past two years and a tight labour market, future-focused job design will be important for employers as they look to stay competitive in the fight for talent," Cherrington said.

The survey of 750 indicated workers were becoming more supportive of non-permanent work, with 53 percent seeing non-permanent work more positively today than five years ago, and 72 percent stating they had recommended temporary work to their friends and family.

However, Cherrington said more than a third of respondents found those type of positions to be in short supply.

The report found the greatest benefits for employees undertaking temporary work was the ability to start working quickly, and to learn and develop new skills.

In addition, almost half of the respondents (49 percent) believed income security was more important than job security (29 percent).

"If organisations wish to retain and foster a great relationship with their employees, we suggest they adapt to the ever-changing working environment and evaluate their traditional approach to recruitment," Cherrington said.

"Organisations can adjust their approaches and see great results in productivity and performance as well as increased employee satisfaction by exploring concepts such as unbundling tasks, advocating for greater flexibility, and supporting hybrid working."