The results leave little room for doubt: flexible working has become one of the strongest influences on career decisions in the UK finance profession. With 85% of respondents saying hybrid or remote working affects their decision to join or remain with an employer, flexibility is no longer viewed as an added benefit - it has become part of the standard employment offering.

This isn't simply about working from home. Professionals increasingly associate hybrid working with trust, autonomy and better work-life balance. Employers that embrace flexibility are often perceived as being more progressive, while those insisting on rigid office attendance without clear justification risk appearing out of step with today's market.

For employers, hybrid working has moved beyond being a recruitment tool and become a retention strategy. While salary may attract candidates, flexibility is often what keeps them engaged. Organisations that offer sensible, well-managed hybrid policies will continue to enjoy a competitive advantage in attracting experienced finance talent.