A survey of over 2,000 business owners and senior managers has revealed that employers are increasingly appreciative of the benefits that flexible working provides to their business. 81% of the 2,200 respondents stated that flexible working has the potential to increase employee productivity – a significant increase on the 74% that gave this answer in the same survey last year.

The research, carried out by Regus, also found that nine in ten business owners and senior managers believe flexible working improves employee morale. The benefits to employers were acknowledged too, although not with the same resounding figures as employee benefits. For example, two-thirds of respondents noted that flexible working saves their business money due to lower office rent figures and other reduced workplace expenses. Just under half of respondents said that flexible working gives their company a significant competitive advantage.

Perhaps most importantly, the Regus survey also found that 68% of respondents noticed that prospective job candidates are increasingly requesting flexible working in advertised job roles. These flexible working arrangements include remote working, flexi-time, job sharing and compressed hours.

The employee benefits of flexible working are well known: commute times are cut, employees feel trusted and overall morale and productivity tends to increase. Employers benefit from reduced office costs, happier staff, improved employee retention and a head-turning bullet point in your job adverts. Most UK employees now hold the right to request flexible working. With the advent of improved office technology, more and more companies are embracing flexible working and the benefits it generates.

If your office environment needs a redesign in order to facilitate flexible working, contact Staples Advantage. We’ll help you by providing a cost-effective solution to your workplace needs.

September 9th 2014 | Back to Industry Insights