Industry news

Embrace flexible working, says expert

Flexible working offers benefits for both employers and their staff, one expert has said.

Caroline Waters, BT's director of employment policy, called on businesses to support flexible working practices such as remote working in order to feel its benefits.

Ms Waters told delegates at the Work Wise UK summit last week that the working practice has a positive impact on the environment.

"The only reason most managers want people close is because they think it gives them control," she added.

"Flexibility and being hot on the green agenda allows you to reach out and get the best people who all have different perspectives."

The Chartered Institute of Personal Development released a report last year that cited recruitment and retention as the two reasons firms offer flexible working.

According to analysts at Flexibility, the number of employees worked from home grew by nine per cent in 1997, one-tenth (ten per cent) in 2001, and 11 per cent in 2005.