Jobs.lu recently conducted a new survey of Luxembourg employees on the topic of the future of work. In doing this, the Luxembourg recruitment platform wanted to assess the perspectives of both employees and managers towards strong trends and the new expectations of employees.

The survey also indicates that the opportunity to work remotely or in a hybrid mode is now equally important as compensation in terms of employee retention.

Although employees are seeking increased flexibility, managers remain unconvinced about the effectiveness of implementing a ‘four-day week’ as a work organizational model.

Luxembourg, June 6, 2023 -The possibility of implementing a four-day week has been the topic of extensive debates in the Grand Duchy of Luxembourg for several weeks. To examine this concept further, a recent survey on the “future of work” was conducted by jobs.lu, Luxembourg’s primary recruitment platform. The survey aimed to gather insights from 830 employees, candidates, and managers, reflecting the perspectives of the working population regarding this idea.

75% of employees desire flexible work organization

The jobs.lu survey examined the job expectations of employees in Luxembourg. Specifically, the recruitment platform aimed to understand what services companies should offer in the future to be appealing to their employees.

Of the responses received, 75% of the employees and candidates expressed a desire for a more flexible work arrangement. Additionally, 60% mentioned their interest in the option of remote work. 54% highlighted the importance of prioritizing psychological well-being. 51% suggested the need for a salary increase, while 42% expressed a desire for improved healthcare benefits.

Remote working – as significant a retention factor as salary

Companies appear to have acknowledged these concerns and are making efforts to address some of these expectations.
According to the managers interviewed:

• 76% of companies are reported to have taken measures to make work organization more flexible. 6% plan to do so.
• 77% allow remote working. 4% plan to implement it.

“Priorities are changing. For 38% of employees, compensation remains the primary retention factor. However, the ability to work remotely or in hybrid mode matters almost as much. 36% of workers now consider this to be the primary retention factor,” comments Arthur Meulman. “From the managers’ point of view, when asked about the main factors of employee retention, the possibility to work remotely or in hybrid mode is considered more significant than remuneration.”

Managers remain unconvinced by the four-day week model

Leaders, however, remain unconvinced by the four-day week. 55% of managers who took part in the survey say they disagree with the statement, “the four-day week is the model for the future of our company.”

“The idea of condensing the volume of work hours over four days in order to take advantage of an additional day of rest does not seem to be unanimous among managers,” says Arthur Meulman, General Manager of jobs.lu. “Tested in other countries, this model is lacking in support. While it is necessary to hear and be able to respond to the expectations of employees, those seeking greater flexibility, the challenge is above all to be able to provide them with better balance on a daily basis between professional life and family life, between work and pleasure, by avoiding sources of pressure. As such, beyond the organizational problems they raise, longer working days could be a source of stress.”

Better support psychological well-being

When it comes to the matters of health and psychological well-being in the workplace, there is still significant progress to be made. According to 60% of managers, no measures have been implemented within their company to address these issues. “If they want to continue to attract talent, in a market where qualified profiles are highly sought after, employers must understand their expectations and be able to adapt accordingly,” continues the General Manager of jobs.lu. “Beyond their salary, employees want to benefit from a work environment where they feel comfortable and confident – more human-centered.”

Methodology

As part of its survey, jobs.lu submitted a questionnaire to a sample of employees and managers working in Luxembourg on the subject of “the future of work”.

Available in both English and French, the questionnaire was submitted to the 830 participants between March 29 and April 27, 2023. The data collected reveals the candidates’ expectations with regard to trends in work organization as well as their perspectives on what makes a company attractive.