Flexible working is the norm and no longer the exception

Four fifths of companies in the UK are now offering their staff flexible working, according to new research amongst 4000 UK companies commissioned by workplace provider Regus. However, the research highlights that trust remains a major hurdle for many companies: 38% of UK businesses only offer this privilege to senior staff.

Those companies embracing flexible working practices are shown to reap major benefits: 40% report improved staff productivity, 67% say staff achieve a better work-life balance, and – crucially - 55% of firms acknowledge that flexible working costs less than conventional, fixed office working. A quarter of firms state that flexi-working is pivotal in achieving business scalability as the country emerges from recession.

Flexible working can incorporate office hours and/or location. Indeed, a quarter of respondents pointed to the recruitment benefits of mobile or home working, claiming flexibility in location helps them access a wider talent pool and attract staff based in remote areas. Rising oil prices are likely to further focus attention on remote working in the coming months, as UK employers face pressure to help commuters reduce their monthly transport costs.