Flex for Life Report 2026
Flex for Life is our annual ‘temperature check’ of what flexible working looks like in Scotland. We analysed data from 1,000 workers, 250 senior business leaders and 200 unemployed adults actively looking for work. This tells us who in Scotland is currently working flexibly, who’s still missing out, why people want flexibility and what impact this has on people’s lives and work. We find out what employers really think of flexible working now, the impact of flex on business and what challenges remain for employers.
Our 2026 report is the sixth edition of Flex for Life and it shows, once more, that flexible working is well used and popular with workers and employers alike.
We hope that employers will use the data to benchmark their own organisation among Scottish workplaces and to support and inspire further improvement. For policymakers, the data reveals the national picture and highlights how enabling greater flexibility could have a major impact on supporting people into work and enabling people to work their way out of poverty. Download the report below now to read our findings.
Flexible working in practice
Flexible working means different things in different workplaces. In these short videos, workers and employers share how flex works in their organisations and the difference it makes in everyday life.
From engineering and housing to finance and manufacturing, these stories show how practical changes to working patterns can help people stay in work, support their families and continue contributing at their best.
Alba Facilities Management
Mark Aitken (Lead technician)
Jack Fall (Apprentice Engineer)
Lynda McCall (Finance Director)
Engineers at Alba Facilities Management share how flexible schedules support motivation and productivity. Mark Aitken, Jack Fall and Finance Director Lynda McCall explain how practical flexibility helps them manage busy jobs while keeping morale high. Their experience shows that flexible working isn’t just for office roles — it can work well in frontline and engineering environments too.
Accountability Edinburgh
Renata Stefanska (Senior Bookkeeper)
Rosie Berridge (Director)
Renata Stefanska explains how flexible working made it possible for her to return to work while managing family life. Alongside Company Director Rosie Berridge, she shares how flexibility allowed her to continue building her career without sacrificing the things that matter at home. Their story highlights how flex can help experienced people stay connected to work.
Scottish Leather Group
Mark Cowan (HR Director)
Naomi Butterworth (Management Systems Engineer)
Scottish Leather Group share how flexible working can operate successfully in manufacturing. HR Director Mark Cowan and engineer Naomi Butterworth explain how flexibility is being introduced in a practical way within a manufacturing environment, helping employees balance their responsibilities while maintaining high standards at work.
Barrhead Housing
Bryn Weaver
Community Investment Officer
Bryn shares how flexible hours help him balance work and caring for his son. Bryn Weaver from Barrhead Housing explains how having flexibility in his hours allows him to be there for his family while continuing to do his job well.
Watch the Flex For Life 2026 webinar
If you missed out on our live webinar where we discussed the highlights and key learnings from the Flex For Life 2026 report, you can catch up now by watching our replay.