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World of HR: Nearly half of European employers allow employees to work abroad some of the time

Employers across the pond are also considering offering more flexibility through four-day workweeks.
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Francis Scialabba

less than 3 min read

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From recruiting and retention to company culture and the latest in HR tech, HR Brew delivers up-to-date industry news and tips to help HR pros stay nimble in today’s fast-changing business environment.

Four-day workweeks, analyzing reports on the beaches of Ibiza, commuting to the office just some of the time. For some, this may sound like a glorious dream. But for others, it’s already a reality.

Where in the world? Littler’s 2023 European Employer Survey Report asked 780 HR professionals and business leaders in Europe about a range of issues, including workplace flexibility.

Just 30% of employer respondents said they require workers to be in-person full-time, including 43% of respondents in Spain, 33% in Italy, and 22% in Germany. However, the majority of respondents (58%) said they’re on a hybrid schedule, and 6% are fully remote. The report noted that these continental numbers are largely in line with last year’s report.

About half of the employers surveyed (52%) said workers comply with in-office attendance, and 36% said their policies are aligned with what their employees want.

Some employers are considering or taking steps toward adopting other flexible work arrangements. More than a third (38%) said they’re considering a four-day workweek, and 48% said employees can work abroad at least some of the time.

Satellite view. European and US employers have some similarities. For instance, the majority (71%) of US companies are also hybrid, while 16% want employees in the office full-time, 7% give employees the option to choose where they work, and 6% are fully remote, Littler’s 2023 US report found.

Quick-to-read HR news & insights

From recruiting and retention to company culture and the latest in HR tech, HR Brew delivers up-to-date industry news and tips to help HR pros stay nimble in today’s fast-changing business environment.