New data from the International Workplace Group (IWG) highlights a critical tension in the labor market: workplace flexibility is now the primary driver for attracting and retaining part-time talent, while the biggest disincentive is the rising cost of commuting .
The Commuting Barrier
The IWG survey found that mandatory office attendance and high travel costs are actively discouraging workers:
- A significant 40% of current part-time workers stated they would leave the workforce entirely if required to commute to a city center office every single day.
- 44% of those currently working part-time find the rising cost of commuting makes it harder to financially justify staying in work.
- 41% of former part-time workers cited the cost of commuting as the key factor deterring them from returning to work.
- The issue is acute in major Indian cities, where professionals face average one-way commutes of 45 to 55 minutes and monthly transport expenses ranging from ₹1,500 to ₹7,000.
Flexibility: The Ultimate Retention Tool
Conversely, offering flexibility is proving to be the most effective way to attract former talent and boost productivity among current staff:
- 55% of former part-time workers surveyed said they would return to work if they had flexibility in their working patterns.
- Over six in ten (63%) current part-time workers said they would consider boosting their hours if they could work more flexibly.
- Nearly half (49%) of current part-time workers would consider quitting employment if denied flexible working options.
- 57% of respondents said working more locally, from flexible workspaces, would make returning to the office more appealing.
Mark Dixon, CEO of International Workplace Group, summarized the findings, saying, “By offering greater flexibility over how and where work is done, businesses can not only retain these valuable team members but also attract talented individuals back into the workforce.”
India’s Gig Growth & Older Workers
These findings are particularly relevant to India, where the gig workforce is projected to explode, reaching an estimated 23.5 million workers by 2030. Approximately 6.8 million white-collar professionals were engaged in gig roles in FY 2025, an increase of 17% year-on-year.
For older workers, part-time roles are highly appealing: 45% of those surveyed said part-time work had allowed them to delay their retirement. Government initiatives like the SACRED portal (Senior Able Citizens for Re-Employment in Dignity) and programs under the Skill India Mission are designed to empower these older professionals by providing flexible re-entry opportunities aligned with their skills and availability.
Would you like to explore which major companies in India have adopted a permanent flexible working policy for their part-time and gig employees?