Firms adopt flexible working

Businesses are increasingly allowing workers to choose how and where they work.

A national survey of 920 respondents conducted by the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales (ICAEW) reveals that nearly two thirds of businesses believe that flexible working increases productivity and efficiency.

The wider availability of flexible technology, including more reliable mobile access and the wider take-up of broadband, has fuelled the growth of flexible working.

The majority of firms now have a flexible working policy, said the survey, with nearly three quarters (72%) of those working in the banking and insurance industry enjoying the benefits of flexible working practices.

Those working in the service sector though are less likely to enjoy flexible working.

Despite some smaller businesses expressing concern about flexible working having an impact on their operations, the ICAEW found that 75% of smaller businesses saw the gains of flexible working compared with 63% of large firms.

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