New research from the Chartered Management Institute indicates that flexible working arrangements are more important than pay for managers, leading to potential regulatory changes to strengthen the right to flexible working.

UK · 2026-09-18

1. Step 1 · The triggerCMI research shows managers value flexible working above pay, increasing political pressure for regulatory change.
2. Step 2 · Knock-onLarge employers must formalise flexible/hybrid work policies, raising HR and compliance costs.
3. Step 3 · Knock-onNormalisation of flexible working reduces sustained office occupancy, softening demand for corporate office space.
4. Step 4 · Reaches youSMEs with office leases face higher per-desk costs and potential excess capacity as workspace demand falls.

The trigger is reported by the source below. The steps that follow are Branch²’s traced reasoning — how the shock could reach a business like yours, not a prediction.

Source: City A.M.

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