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Flexible working matters to 78% of employees in Great Britain, according to a YouGov poll commissioned by Acas. That is close to four in five—but the poll asked how important flexibility is, not whether people would turn down a particular job without it. It also covered more than remote or hybrid work.
What did the Acas poll find?
In response to the question “How important is flexible working in a job for you?”, 45% said it was very important and 33% fairly important. In total, 78% considered it important. Another 13% said it was not very important, 7% not at all important, and 2% did not know. Acas describes the weighted results as representative of British business size and region. Acas published the poll results on 1 October 2026.
YouGov conducted the online poll for Acas among 1,020 employees in Great Britain, with fieldwork from 30 April to 6 May 2026. The results describe respondents’ stated views; they do not establish how people behave when choosing between actual job offers.
Does this mean people would turn down a job without flexibility?
No. The “deal breaker” wording is stronger than the survey question supports. Respondents rated the importance of flexible working in a job; they were not asked whether they would reject or avoid a specific job that lacked it. The poll also does not show that flexibility causes better recruitment, retention, productivity or wellbeing.
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What counts as flexible working?
For the poll, Acas described flexible working broadly as arrangements that give employees some flexibility in how long, where or when they work. Examples included:
- Annualised hours, compressed hours and flexitime
- Home working
- Job-sharing, overtime and part-time working
- Term-time working
So the 78% figure is not a measure of demand for working from home alone. The survey did not compare these arrangements or ask respondents which type they preferred.
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What changes are planned to flexible-working requests?
Acas says changes under the Employment Rights Act 2025 are expected to take effect in autumn 2027. Under the future process, an employer considering refusing a statutory flexible-working request will have to consult the employee. A refusal will be allowed only if it is reasonable on one or more statutory business grounds, and the employer will have to explain the decision. Until the changes take effect, Acas advises employers and employees to follow the current Code of Practice.
What is the Acas consultation about?
On 1 October 2026, Acas published a draft revised Code of Practice on requests for flexible working and opened a consultation. Responses close at 11:59pm on 17 December 2026. The draft sets out principles of evidence-based decisions, adapting where possible, working together to find solutions, and acting transparently and consistently. The consultation page provides details of the draft and how to respond.
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The revised Code is a draft, not final guidance or a requirement already in force. It remains subject to consultation and the relevant legislative process. The legal timetable and details here concern Great Britain; they should not be assumed to apply across every UK jurisdiction.
Quick Recap
Best Value
- One-Touch Height Adjustment: Easily adjust the FEZIBO electric standing desk from 28.3" to 46.5". With 3 customizable memory presets, switch seamlessly between sitting and standing. Ideal for home offices, gaming setups, study areas, and productive workspaces
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Rank #4
- Electric Height Adjustment – Sit or Stand Any Time: Quiet motor (under 52 dB) with memory presets. Easily switch between sitting and standing from 28.3" to 46.5" to help reduce sedentary time
- Sturdy & Stable – Stays Solid at Full Height: Strong steel frame remains stable even when fully extended. Performance may vary slightly by floor type and load weight, but reliable for daily work, gaming, or study
- Spacious Desktop with Cable Management: Large surface fits multiple monitors and gear. Built-in cable management keeps cords tidy for a clean, organized workspace
- Quiet & Smooth Height Adjustment: Powerful motor enables seamless height changes and stable transitions, helping create a peaceful workspace that sparks creativity
- Easy Assembly & Great Value: Clear instructions and straightforward setup in 10–30 minutes. Offers electric height adjustment, memory presets, and solid build quality(The desktop is composed of two boards)
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