Two-thirds of FTSE 100 companies are using flexible working to
keep their staff happy. Flexible workingrequires the introduction
of a wide range ofmobile computing and security technology.
According to research by ntl:Telewest Business, 69% of FTSE 100
companies have already introduced measures to enable flexible
working.
Companies such as Marks & Spencer, Tesco, BP and Thomas
Cook, were found to offer flexible working rights that go above and
beyond government legislation on flexible working.
Recent legislation
extended the number of parents entitled to request flexible
working to include parents of children up to 16, which could lead
to an extra 4.5 million people asking to work from home. It was
previously for parents of children up to the age of six or disabled
children aged up to 18.
Andrew McGrath, commercial director for ntl:Telewest Business,
said flexible working is an issue affecting a far wider spread of
businesses.
ntl:Telewest Business said flexible and home working, and giving
workers the technology to make these practices possible, can also
be a cost-effective way for companies to keep people on side during
economically difficult times.
"Companies under financial pressure can find it difficult to
keep their staff motivated and loyal, especially if wages and
bonuses are frozen, but taking action to help them strike a better
work-life balance can help remedy this," said McGrath.