Making the most of flexible working benefits

Flexible working used to be the preserve of mothers with young children, but now with the relatively recent advances in technology more and more businesses are making use of flexible working measures. But are you?

Boosting productivity

There may be some teething problems when you first introduce the measures, but it will be worth it in the end. Quite simply, employees who spend time doing their work away from the office are more productive and tend to work longer hours.

In the past, many people believed those who worked from home slacked off and took long breaks, but in actual fact it is the opposite as a lack of commute means they start work with a clear mind and home workers are generally responsible and conscientious when it comes to making sure they do the tasks that are expected of them.

Reducing absenteeism

Implementing flexible working practices in your business will cut absenteeism dramatically as employees are far more likely to log on at home when ill than drag themselves to the office when they feel a little under the weather – therefore ensuring productivity remains high.

And it is worth bearing in mind that both the Olympics and the European football championships are on next year. While we are being assured that the Olympics will pose no problem in terms of travelling to and from work on public transport, I think we all know it will make a huge difference. So, offering flexible working may be a good option.

Thinking ahead to Euro 2012, there is the temptation for workers to go out to watch the games and partake in one or two beverages. While this may seem innocent enough, you know that a few of them may struggle to turn in for work the next day if they are faced with a commute and an early wake-up call - two things flexible working can remove.