Less than three in 10 (29%) UK employers operate flexible working schemes that are available to all employees, according to research by communications technology provider Teleware.
The research was conducted on behalf of the organisation by Censuswide, and canvassed 2,300 UK-based full-time employees between 10 and 12 October 2018. It also found that 42% of employees feel that working flexibly makes them more productive.
Steve Haworth, chief executive officer at Teleware, commented: “For many employees, the line between work and their personal life often blurs. Businesses are keen on flexible working policies, but have been slow to implement them due to productivity concerns. Contrary to belief, there’s significant evidence that employees work just as hard, or even harder, when working from home."
A quarter of respondents (25%) stated that they have previously turned down a job offer for a position that did not offer flexible working. A further 31% stated that they would do so if the situation arose in the future.
Haworth added: “The UK productivity crisis is showing no signs of slowing down. The tools to support flexible working are available and come in the form of apps, for example, to help employees with their day-to-day job.
"Giving employees the option to work flexibly gives them more control over their work schedule which can boost staff morale and ultimately increase productivity.”
