# Flexible Work Employers are forced to be flexible as COVID-19 changes Millennial lifestyles. By [Mishal Omar](https://www.trendhunter.com/MishalO) | Published Oct 22, 2020 | Category: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/pro/category/business-trends) Source: Trend Hunter, https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/flex-working ## Key Figures - Trend score: 4.3/10 - Evidence articles: 4 ## What is the Flexible Work trend? **Flexible Work:** The ongoing pandemic has revealed in many workplaces that young employees' already-flexible mindset when it comes to work will likely be forever evolved. Brands and institutions are using that as an opportunity to make or offer long-term changes that better fit the Millennial expectation for flexible work. ## The consumer insight behind the Flexible Work trend Millennials who work as professionals are viewing the current limitations on public life as an opportunity to pursue more relaxed lifestyles, or more specific goals. Whether related to travel, moving out of cities, or having more flexibility to carve out family time--many Millennials are taking this time to reevaluate what they want out of life. ## At a Glance - Evidence: 4 featured examples - Articles from: Jul 29, 2020 to Jul 13, 2022 - Published: Oct 22, 2020 - Patterns: [Reduction](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/reduction), [Acceleration](https://www.trendhunter.com/pattern/acceleration) - Megatrends: [Catalyzation](https://www.trendhunter.com/megatrend/catalyzation) ## Audience - Gender: 50% men, 50% women - Primary generations: Gen Z, Millennial, Gen X - Top markets: North America, Europe, Asia ## Themes within the Flexible Work trend ### Flexible Workforce Millennials are taking advantage of the opportunity created by the pandemic to pursue more relaxed lifestyles or more specific goals, presenting opportunities to brands and institutions to make long-term changes that better fit their needs. ### Remote Work Solutions The pandemic has rapidly increased the number of professionals working remotely, and solutions like Remote Worker Visas, Flexibile Employment Job Boards and Remote Work Supplies Stipends are providing opportunities to support and enhance this trend. ### Hybrid Workplace Management The trend towards a hybrid schedule that combines working from home and the office has created demand for new tools like the 'Desky' App to help support flexible workplace environments. ## What the Flexible Work trend means for industry ### For Human Resources Human Resource professionals have a unique opportunity to make the most of the flexible workplace trend by implementing solutions that attract and retain Millennial talent, or make their work environments more adaptable. ### For E-commerce E-commerce companies like Shopify are setting the standard for supporting remote employees with flexible work environments and the necessary supplies and technology to be productive from home. ### For Real Estate The increasing demand for flexible work solutions has the potential to disrupt the real estate industry as businesses and professionals look for new ways to make the most of existing space, or find alternative ways to meet their workplace needs. ## Workshop question How is your brand adapting to changing values as the pandemic continues? ## Trend signals for Flexible Work Trend score 4.3 out of 10, from popularity 72%, activity 44%, freshness 12%. - Popularity: 72% - Activity: 44% - Freshness: 12% ## Examples of the Flexible Work trend 4 featured examples from Jul 29, 2020 to Jul 13, 2022. - [Remote Worker Visas](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/temporary-resident-visa-for-independent-workers): Portugal is Allowing Remote Visitors to Stay with the Temporary Resident Visa (Category: World) Implication: Countries offering remote worker visas can attract digital nomads to visit and stay for longer periods, boosting the tourism industry and local economies. - [Remote Work Supplies Stipends](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/shopify-employees): Shopify Employees Received $1,000 to Fund Their Remote Work Set-Ups (Category: Business) Implication: Disruptive innovation opportunity: Creating online marketplaces dedicated to remote work supplies, offering a wide range of products and services tailored to home office needs. - [Flexible Workplace Organization Apps](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/desky-app): The 'Desky' App Helps Businesses Adapt to Hybrid Work (Category: Tech) Implication: Desky's focus on optimizing office space usage creates opportunities for innovation in the office space industry. - [Flexible Employment Job Boards](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/remote-stash): 'Remote Stash' Pinpoints WFH Opportunities and More (Category: Business) Implication: Job search and recruitment agencies can benefit by tapping into the growing demand for remote and flexible work opportunities. ## Recent trend clusters - [Errand Leisure](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/errand-leisure) (Business) - [Category Mashups](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/category-mashups) (Business) - [Smile Cosmetics](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/smile-cosmetics) (Fashion) - [Connected Filtration](https://www.trendhunter.com/protrends/connected-filtration) (Tech) ## Trending in Business - [Performance-Based Creator Ads](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/creator-ad-platforms) - [Repairable Hardshell Jackets](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/sperro-sv) - [Natural Deodorant Expansions](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/target-beauty-studios) - [Mini Beauty Stores](https://www.trendhunter.com/trends/little-luxuries-store) All articles: [Business](https://www.trendhunter.com/business)