Staff fear flexi-work effects
Although the majority of UK employees want to work flexibly, half fear that doing it will sideline their career, according to a new report.
Research from Eclipse Internet found that two thirds of workers expressed a desire to work flexible hours. However, one in two confessed they were worried that it would affect their future job prospects.
A quarter of respondents regarded flexible working as a taboo subject and fewer than half of those surveyed had any flexible working policy in their company. Only 8% believed that there are no restrictions to working flexibly.
The report said that companies risk alienating large parts of the workforce and losing skilled and valuable employees by not recognising the extensive desire to flexi-work.
It added that the benefits of working flexibly were evident to the vast majority of those questioned - almost three-quarters believed that it would give them more quality family time, better productivity at work and increased company loyalty. Only 15% thought that it is an option for 'skiving off'.
Eclipse Internet said that although employers may have reservations, flexi-working should benefit them significantly, driving increased staff productivity and retention.
Mark Thomas, sales manager of Eclipse Internet, said: "We are seeing a marked difference between the number of people wanting to work flexibly and those who can.
"Although it is most important for those with children, to help them juggle their childcare and workload, flexi-working is gaining popularity rapidly across the board.
"With the benefits of increasing productivity, and in an active recruitment climate, there are many reasons why businesses should seriously consider equipping employees to work flexibly."