City Hive report calls on investment firms to reframe flexibility as a business asset
A new report from City Hive challenges investment firms to move beyond remote vs office debates and consider the wider implications of how work is distributed, supported and recognised.
Drawing on industry-wide collaboration and City Hive’s extensive ACT Framework dataset, the report titled Working Forwards: How can your firm flex for the future? offers a roadmap for firms to build inclusive, clearly communicated working models that better reflect different working styles and requirements.
The data demonstrated while firms are thinking more holistically about the offering and support for people with caring responsibilities, only 30% of the sample surveyed are sharing their flexible working policy with prospective employees. Furthermore, only 30% of firms surveyed are measuring uptake of their flexible working policy amongst current employees.
The aftermath of the global pandemic, shifting societal norms, and increasing care responsibilities have reshaped the workplace. At the same time, employee expectations about how and where they work have evolved. Setting expectations about working practices that are considerate of these changes will become increasingly important, even for firms that choose to focus on return to office mandates.
The report contends there is an opportunity for firms to maximise the benefits of cognitively diverse teams that are linked to better investment decision-making, by creating supportive environments. Those that embrace a range of working preferences and lived experiences from hybrid and flexible schedules to equitable access to leave and progression will provide the greatest conditions for successful collaboration and effective working.
The report explores several key themes including:
Cultural Clarity and Consistency - How successful approaches to flexibility can be used to unify leadership, HR, and management practices, and in turn build trust with consistent expectations and inclusive access across the organisation.
Recognise who Holds the Fort - Acknowledging those who carry the burden through recognition or reward is key to maintaining equity and morale.
Addressing Misconceptions – Thoughtful role design, strong performance management, and trust-based leadership can address concerns about flexibility — not surveillance or rigidity.
Making Flexibility Work for you - Firms that prioritise inclusive design, clear policies, and proactive manager training are more likely to build resilient, future-ready teams.
It goes on to include actionable takeaways for investment firms including adopting firm wide flexibility strategies that align with business goals, using data to monitor uptake, measure impact and drive accountability, and reframing flexibility as a business asset.
Mandy Kirby, co-CEO of City Hive said: “Flexibility is about far more than where we work, it reflects a firm’s culture. Organisations wishing to get flexible working practices right should ensure they are carefully designed to address changing employee needs, support cognitive diversity and build resilient and future ready teams.
“Working Forwards gives investment firms the insight and tools to build working practices that reflect the realities of people’s lives, strengthen culture, and ultimately drive better business outcomes.”
For a copy of the report please contact nataliekenway@cityhive.co.uk.
Notes to editors
For more information on the report including interview opportunities and photos please email: nataliekenway@cityhive.co.uk or visit the new City Hive Press Centre.
For more information on ACT: https://www.investorsact.com/
For more information on City Hive: https://www.cityhive.co.uk/