Flexible working 'great for bank balance and morale'

Date: 28/08/2009

Companies in the UK who could use flexible working in the office could save themselves a whopping £31.7 billion if they got on board, according to new research this week.

Orange UK, the telecommunications company, found through YouGov research that 16 per cent of respondents would take an average salary cut of £6,900 while 42 per cent would forfeit a company car if it meant they could live and work in a location ideal for them.

However, businesses will not need significant investment, just a lot of willingness and guidance through the process, it was added.

"This research reveals that far from being a financial barrier for business, flexible working actually presents a significant opportunity for businesses to save money and improve employee morale," said Robert Ainger, the director of corporate marketing at Orange UK.

He added that rather than waiting for the recession to play out, savvy businesses who act now will reap the benefits offered by flexible working, as will employees looking for viable incentives and recognition.

Earlier this month, SME Web explained that UK businesses are increasingly changing their computer systems to improve their support for home workers, thus upping performance and standards.

Written by Elizabeth Mewes

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