Research of 500 businesses and 4,500 employees
commissioned by Orange has found that more companies across Britain
are embracing flexible working than ever before.
The
mobile business solutions supplier believes that the findings
indicate a huge shift in the UK’s working practices and signify the
end of office presenteeism. Nearly two thirds (63%) of UK
businesses now offer some type of flexibility to employees. Almost
tree-quarters (72%) of UK businesses believe
flexible working boosts company morale, and more than half think it
improves productivity (53%) and staff retention (58%). Even
though a quarter of firms currently offer their entire workforce
the ability to work flexibly, more than a third (36%) still don’t
offer any flexible working options at all.
In terms of
flexible working
technology, 46% of flexible workers have been provided with a
laptop, 35% a mobile phone, 29% a Virtual Private Network (VPN),
and 23% broadband, but only 11% have been given a smart phone. The
findings also revealed a digital divide between male and female
employees across the UK, with men 20% more likely to have access to
the technology required to help them work flexibly.
Orange also believes that the research has uncovered a
disconnect between the HR and IT departments, with 50% of workers
who are allowed to work flexibly reporting that they are not
provided with the necessary technology to do so effectively.
Explained Orange UK Vice President of Business Paul Tollet,
“Flexible working doesn’t have to involve significant financial
investment from business - just a clear policy to ensure it is
offered fairly and a willingness to provide employees with the
tools they need to get the job done. The cost of mobile solutions
is decreasing, so there’s no reason for businesses to delay
implementing flexible working practices and technology.”