Nine out of ten (90%) respondents say that offering flexible working arrangements is an effective way of improving employee morale and helping staff to achieve a better work-life balance, according to research by global workspace provider Regus.
Its research, which surveyed more than 2,200 business owners and senior managers, also found that 81% of respondents see flexible working as a way of improving productivity, which is up from the 74% that said the same in 2013.
The research also found that more than two-thirds (67%) of respondents also regard flexible working as a way of saving money, stating that it is lower cost than fixed-office working.
A further 49% of respondents believe that offering flexible working gives organisations a recruitment advantage, with 68% citing that it is increasingly demanded by prospective employees.
John Spencer, chief executive officer at Regus, said: “The recent regulatory changes give all staff the legal right to request flexible working, and the results of our latest research serve as a timely reminder of the wide-ranging benefits of this modern approach to work.
“Having a choice in where, when and how we work makes a huge difference to our overall happiness; it helps us cut down on the stress of a long commute, frees up time to cook and eat healthily, or simply helps us get home earlier.
“However, it is important that employers embrace the multi-location workplace, not just flexi-hours. And this doesn’t just mean offering home working.
“Most employees prefer a more professional, dynamic environment that is closer to home but crucially not at home, such as a local business centre or a ‘third place’ work location.”
