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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