Despite recognising the benefits of flexible working, most companies are stubbornly sticking to normal hours which makes the UK working week the longest in Europe.
In a survey carried out by Elizabeth Hunt Recruitment - part of the Spring Group - 40 per cent of businesses said they recognised the benefits of flexible working in recruiting and retaining staff. Over 40 per cent also said that flexible working had a positive effect on their working culture and 34 per cent that it positively affected company reputation and image. However, over 60 per cent of companies said they were ëunlikely toí or ëdefinitely notí going to offer flexible working.
Andrea Triplow, operations manager at Elizabeth Hunt said: ìThis is a surprising result especially given the Governmentís support for companies exploring flexible working options in order to help employees achieve a work-life balance.
ìIt can actually cost companies to stick to a culture of long-hours. Those more enlightened businesses that have embraced flexible working report greater productivity, reduced absenteeism, a decline in staff turnover and improved customer satisfaction particularly where flexible working has led to extended hours with some staff starting early and others finishing late,î she said.
With the proportion of women in the workforce growing, flexible working is becoming ever more vital.
Triplow added: ìMany women have responsibility for children or older parents and sometimes need to work shorter hours or just during term time. It makes sense to be able to offer them flexible working arrangements in order to have their skills put to use and not lost because of a traditional view of the working day.î
Elizabeth Hunt survey shows UK businesses unlikely to offer flexible working
Even despite recognising its benefits
