January 07, 2011
Firms across the UK have expressed a desire to embrace flexible working practices in 2011. New figures have suggested that flexible working is being considered or formally planned by 74% of firms, according to a survey published by Orange. Firms have expressed a need to improve staff efficiency as the main reason why thought is being given to flexible working and the Everything Everywhere SME Marketing Director Martin Lyne feels that this is an encouraging development. "It demonstrates a strong desire to drive a more efficient business, and is also a great way to help employees strike the right work/life balance," he stated. Working from home was one thing that the Trades Union Congress suggested that firms could give some thought to during the recent period of very cold weather, which caused travel problems in various regions of the UK. Firms are also feeling positive about 2011, the research found, with 76% predicting that their business would achieves successes either in line with this year or at an increased level in 2011. Over a quarter also said they were planning to recruit more new staff members in 2011, compared to this year.