Firms need to focus on home working, communications giant finds

Firms need to focus on home working, communications giant finds

Many British businesses are failing to reap the benefits of flexible working, according to new research from a major telecommunications firm.

Research carried out by O2, which surveyed 400 businesses and 2,000 workers, found that, whilst the majority of businesses across the country believed that they were ‘promoting and encouraging’ flexible working, just 19 per cent of employees felt that this was in fact the case.

Despite 75 per cent of staff members reporting that they felt they carried out their best work when they were given the opportunity to have some input into where they were located, many firms are continuing to shun the option.

O2's business director, Ben Dowd, said: “Just six months since Britain's biggest flexible working opportunity, the Olympics, it's shocking that less than one-fifth of people feel they are encouraged to work flexibly. Businesses must sit up and take notice of this critical evolution in employee behaviour and create a business culture equipped to support it.

"Talking about it simply isn't enough. To create a truly flexible working culture, actions speak louder than words," Mr Dowd went on to say.

The telecommunications firm claimed that there are myriad benefits for those firms who do spend the time investing in flexible working. One way in which firms can boost their flexible working options is to turn to new means of communications such as VoIP.

This form of communication allows staff members working at home to keep in close contact with colleagues based in the office in a cost effective and easy manner. It will also ensure that staff who are based at home will still feel part of a team as the lines of communication will always be open.

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