A survey with more than 200 HR executives, showed us that 60% of them believe that giving employees greater autonomy over how they work, such as remote working, will boost staff productivity and bring positive business results – according to research from Robert Half UK.
51% of the respondents of the survey said that greater employee autonomy brings more creativity and 45% said employees would be made easier to manage.
Is this the reason the number of UK businesses have adopted flexible working has increased?
Public sector employers have increased remote working by 47%, whilst 55% more of employers in the Midlands saw the greatest rise in worker autonomy, as they offered staff flexible working.
The Times newspaper has recently reported that M&C Saatchi, has removed the majority of their desktop computers, in favour of “free ranging” laptops and smartphones. As well as this, the majority of big professional services have introduced hot-desking.
But, is this efficient? Critics are saying that the expense of office space, and the shortage of office space, is behind these changes.
Yet it is argued that even though employees are at their desks in an office, doesn’t mean that they are being productive, employees can be just as productive remotely and technology now allows us to share files, communicate without the added burden of the commute and distractions of an office environment.
It’s also suggested that as business are facing skills shortages, remote working is a consideration as it supports, attracts and retains the top talent.
Should your company be offering remote working?
Although it’s a positive step to take, before a flexible working environment is implemented, companies need to make sure a structure is in place to ensure that employees are balanced.
If you need support or advice, you can contact us today on 01909 512 120.