UK businesses make flex-time work

06/11/2008

Flexible working practices boost production, improve work-life balance and reduce stress among UK business workers, according to new research.

A nationwide survey by fleet management company, Lex, suggests that despite fears flexible working rights may not be extended to parents with older children, flex working is becoming common practice.

Some 76% of managers claim to regularly work from home, with 60% saying they were more productive as a result. Many managers reported that their work-life balance improved with flexible working, with almost half of respondents spending more time with their families.

A further 69% say that availing of their company’s flexible working policy actually improved their performance at work. Working from home was also a means of cutting motoring costs for 26% of respondents, and 55% were positive about not wasting time commuting in heavy traffic. Overall, 54% claimed that working from home eased their stress levels.

Managing director of Lex, John Walden, said: “With so many managers reporting flexible working makes them more productive, less stressed and able to perform to optimum levels, it’s a win-win situation for employees and company bosses.”

Over half of respondents viewed flexible working as a privilege, but 22% are so positive about the practice, they believe their colleagues should be encouraged to participate in flex schemes.