September 27, 2010
Millions of employees across the UK are desperate to work from home but are being denied the opportunity by stern employers, the TUC has claimed.
After surveying more than 2,000 employees, the TUC said almost one in five are keen to work flexibly, including not going into the office five days a week.
However, almost one in five workers were told by their employer that they could not work from home, even if it would benefit the business, said the TUC, suggesting that millions were being affected.
"Working from home is growing in popularity but millions of staff are still unable to try it out, thanks to over-controlling employers,” said TUC General Secretary Brendan Barber.
"Too many workers are wasting their time making journeys they don't need to, clogging our transport networks during the rush hour and adding to their carbon footprint unnecessarily, while companies are losing out on the cost and productivity benefits of home working. Surely we can be a lot smarter than that."
To coincide with the study, the TUC has put forward five reasons for businesses to embrace flexible working:
- Better staff recruitment and retention. Home working can widen the recruitment pool by attracting people who have traditionally struggled to find work, such as single parents and those with disabilities.
- Improved motivation and productivity. Employees are more likely to have high morale where employers are seen to take account of their needs.
- Good employment practices can enhance a business’ reputation.
- Reduction of sickness absence and travel costs.
- Infrastructure cost savings. Home working can save on car parking space, office rent and running costs.
