10% of consultants working from home by end 2009

Such is the prediction of Rod Smyth, CEO of recruitment software developer Arithon. ëWe have noticed more consultants at our agency clients working from home over the last three months but now, thanks to the recent launch of web-based recruitment software by one of the larger UK providers, we expect more and more recruiters to see working from home as an attractive option. By the end of the year we estimate that 10% of consultants in the UK will be logging on and working regularly from outside the office.í Says Smyth. ëThe key to successful tele-working or home-working for consultants is access to their contact databases and workflow software. Web-based recruitment technology, like Arithonís, now available from Bond too, allows consultants easy access to the information and tools they need to work from anywhere plus it enables them to update records as they go.ë Continues Smyth.

ëUntil recently agencies had mainly opted for office-server-based software only accessible via internal networks. The pressure on business owners to make savings will lead to the increased uptake of web-based process software. Having a proportion of consultants working outside the office can help reduce overheads without affecting service quality. Cutting just one desk space in ten will be a great help – it could save a London based agency around 4,000 p.a. Agencies that manage costs best and adopt flexible working practices will be more able to retain their staff. í

ëBeing able to work from home brings other efficiencies including avoiding the commute on days when there are problems with transport. Companies may promote home-working as a perk. Control will not be lost as directors and managers can use the software as normal to monitor consultantsí output.í

ëThe challenges recruiters are facing are the harshest theyíve been for years and they will without doubt bring about changes in the way our sector works. Firms which adapt quickest to the market conditions will survive. Our software will help themí

Rod Smyth made these comments in response to the recent news of the launch of web-based recruitment software by Bond Adapt.í