According to the report, 44% of employees working part-time are considering returning to the labor market due to the availability of a flexible work environment.
At the same time, the study revealed that the greatest deterrent to the retention or reintegration of part-time workers into the workforce is the increased cost of commuting. It is therefore unsurprising that 40% of part-time employees stated they would completely abandon their work if they had to commute daily to an office located in the city center.
Workforce Productivity
The part-time employment rate in Greece stands at 5.6% (ELSTAT, Q4 2024). The needs of these employees constitute a critical factor for employers aiming to retain talent and promote growth. Nearly half (49%) of the part-time workers surveyed indicated they would seriously consider leaving their jobs if employers refused to provide flexible work arrangements.
Similarly, one-third (31%) of those working exclusively on-site are already seeking new roles, while 55% of part-time employees said they would resign if required to travel long distances to reach their workplace.
On the other hand, work flexibility is considered a key factor for the reintegration of part-time workers into the labor market, with 55% of respondents stating they would return to work if flexible employment models were available. Additionally, 57% noted that working in local offices with a flexible work environment makes returning to employment more appealing. Furthermore, approximately 6 out of 10 (63%) part-time employees expressed willingness to consider increasing their working hours if they could do so with greater flexibility.
Part-time employment is an important option for those nearing retirement. Forty-five percent (45%) of respondents reported that they managed to remain in the workforce by delaying retirement thanks to the flexibility this employment model offers.
Commuting Costs as a Barrier for Part-Time Workers
The research also concluded that rising commuting costs serve as a significant deterrent for part-time workers wishing to remain in or return to the workforce. Four in ten former part-time workers (41%) stated they avoided returning to work due to commuting expenses, while 44% of current part-time employees already report financial difficulties in maintaining their positions.
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, commented: “The high cost of commuting, combined with limited flexibility, poses a challenge for many part-time workers. By offering more flexible work options, businesses can not only retain valuable team members but also reintegrate talented professionals into their workforce. Given that part-time employees represent a significant portion of the labor market, their contribution to productivity is substantial and cannot be overlooked.”
