Flexible working benefits will outweigh burden, says Viatel
Commons report seeks limit on flexible working legislation
January 6th 2010, A report from the Commons all-party small business group this week stated that while flexible working can benefit small businesses, any further extension of employees' right to request flexible hours should be on a voluntary basis rather than imposed through legislation. New rules launched in April last year provided parents of children aged up to 16 the right to request flexible hours but there are some that want this extended to include all parents of children under 18.
Viatel, a business communications expert, believes that by highlighting the potential burden this may put on smaller companies, the authors of the report are missing the point of flexible working. Michael Davies, head of product management at Viatel stated “It is understandable that smaller businesses may be concerned about the increased level of flexible working. Employers in companies of all sizes often cite issues regarding productivity, security and cost as their main concerns. However, implementing homeworking needn’t be as difficult as it is often assumed to be and the benefits in the long run easily compensate for any investment.
“One of the keys to making home working beneficial for both the company and employees is to focus more on the benefits that the practice can provide. For example, despite concern that employees may not work as hard out of the office, organisations implementing home working regularly report that productivity has actually increased as a result. Other benefits reported include increased flexibility as staff working from home are often more willing to work unconventional hours.
” Viatel notes that ongoing severe weather conditions are also highlighting just how important it is for businesses of all sizes to have a flexible working infrastructure in place.
“This week’s snow storms are preventing many people up and down the country from making it into the office and with more forecast, the accumulation of lost work days could have crippling consequences in today’s economic climate,” continued Davies. “What’s more, it’s not just the snow that can cause problems - last year saw a number of other issues including flooding and transport strikes also affect the number of workers making it into the office. Those worried about the burden flexible working places on small businesses need to realise that it provides companies with added flexibility and not just employees. While this flexibility is useful at the best of times, during a recession it is vital.”
