Zurich UK reveals men embracing flexible working has grown by nearly 50%

Zurich UK has revealed that the number of men choosing to work part-time at the insurer has grown by 48% since its flexible working policy was introduced. 

In this policy, all vacancies have been offered on a part-time, job share or flexible basis since 2019. 

According to a parliamentary report into Women and the UK economy, published in February 2025, over a third (36%) of female workers are part-time compared to just 14% of the male working population.

While the majority of part time workers at Zurich UK are women, one in 10 are men (10%). Similarly, one in eight (12%) part-time hires in 2024 were also men.

Steve Collinson, chief HR officer at Zurich UK, said: “It’s great to see so many of our employees embracing our part time working policies and for such a variety of reasons.

”Achieving a great work life blend is something that everyone should aspire to, no matter your gender or where you’re at in your career. Our part-time jobs initiative has allowed us to create a culture which encourages employees to work in a way that benefits both them and our business.

”Not only does this widen the talent pool for Zurich, but it allows colleagues to be there for their families, create work-life balance or indeed, to invest in their education or side hustles. Seeking flexibility and nurturing your passions outside of the office shouldn’t mean that your career has to take a back seat.” 

’Culture shift’

Zurich also revealed that the number of employees hired on a part-time basis has increased by 41%.

Since the policy was introduced, part-time workers now account for more than one in seven employees at the insurer (14%). 

Baroness Joanna Penn, co-chair at the All-Party Parliamentary Group for Flexible and Family-Friendly Working, said: ”The take up of part time working amongst men at the company shows that flexible working and balancing work and care is important to everyone.

”Zurich are amongst those leading the way – not just by having good policies in place but investing in the culture shift needed to give people the confidence to take them up.” 

Commenting on the impact of the policy which has allowed him to work four days a week for the past 12 years to raise his family, Craig Glover, senior underwriter at Zurich, said: ”My wife is a doctor, so her job is not flexible.

”She works four and a half days a week so together we’re working eight and a half days rather than 10 which means more quality time together as a family.  As I get older, I realise that time is more important to me. The need for materialistic things has waned and I want quality time for myself and my family.”