Home working options could reduce 'presenteeism' problem

Home working options could reduce 'presenteeism' problem

A recent briefing from experts claims that businesses need to take employee welfare more seriously if they are to remain competitive. This could lead to a greater number of businesses offering home working options to their staff members.

David Mobbs, CEO of Nuffield Health, said that employee health is becoming an increasingly serious challenge for employers. He said. "Health and well-being will become the new CSR.

“We already worry about the sustainability of the environment, but in the future it's going to be about the sustainability of the health of your workforce.”

The research undertaken by Nuffield Health, which backed the briefing, was carried out with the Ashridge Business School. It found that 72 per cent of UK employees had gone into work despite being ill in 2011, half of whom had a contagious illness. A third said that they would now be more likely to go into work while ill as a result of the economic slowdown and the lack of job security that has come with it.

If businesses can offer home working options to their staff, they are much less likely to feel pressured to come into the office while ill. Providing businesses have a fast internet connection, they will be able to offer remote working options that can significantly improve employee, well-being and motivation.

The briefing included ideas about empowering employees to help their employers to 'co-create’ solutions that suit all parties involved. This is also in the business’s interests as having staff off sick long-term can impact their bottom lines.

hSo provides managed networks designed for business. To get an instant cost for a leased line at your location, visit our online leased line price checker.