Since it was launched in 2009, CIMA’s global members salary survey has provided an invaluable tool for CIMA members and their employers to benchmark pay, benefits and other working practices. The 2010 survey is no exception.

As reported in October’s Insight, one finding stands out – that CIMA members around the world rated flexible working as one of the top benefits they would like to receive.

But perversely, while other favourite benefits such as pensions and payment of CIMA fees were actually received by a significant number of members, only a small minority were given flexible hours.

As demand for qualified management accountants starts to outstrip supply, maybe it's time for employers to think more seriously about flexible working.

Last week ‘National work-life week’ in the UK highlighted just how beneficial flexibility can be. For example, a report published this year by the Cochrane Library found that mental health, blood pressure, and sleep patterns were better among people who could determine their own working hours.

However, many employers continue to be concerned that flexible working will mean that, for example: productivity will suffer, employees become less focused, and there will be resentment among employees that remain working full-time in the office.

Look out for more on this topic in future editions of Insight. And let us know what you think - are employers’ concerns justified? Or will more of them offer flexible working to management accountants as awareness of the benefits grows?