Research exposes Home Working Fears

...but staff who do are saving 2000 per year

New research commissioned by Durler Consulting has shown a mixed response in attitudes to remote working.

Fear of missed promotion opportunities, envy of other employees, health and safety concerns and lack of social interaction were listed as concerns in research carried out among 40 companies with 50 - 500 staff.

However cost savings, improved technology, shorter working days and environmental reasons were all raised as benefits to the businesses who are embracing it within their strategy.

One company said that remote workers are saving an average 2000 per year and that they as a business are benefiting from greater productivity according to the research.

However, one respondent said that despite promoting the recognised benefits, only 2% of staff have so far taken them up on the offer.

Many businesses were found to be shying away from offering home-working because of the perceived disruption to work practices. Some felt that redefining work routines would disturb the status quo, and that working remotely would be to the detriment of quick decision-making.

Individuals were more concerned with lack of social interaction of the fear of being overlooked in key decisions and promotions.

Durlerís Robin Hills is keen to alert employers to the fact that any potential disadvantages caused by initial restructuring are far outweighed by the potential benefits enjoyed by those that do offer home-working.

ìWhen surveyed, employers actively promoting home-working do so because of the massive impact this has on staff retention,î explains Robin.

ìIn sectors such as education, in which specific skills and expertise are extremely valuable, employers realise the positive influence a harmonious work-life balance has on staff-morale.

ìAlongside this, many employers are keen to be seen as actively eco-friendly; working from home not only saves staff money but goes a long way to reducing the carbon footprint of a business.î

ëGreater Flexibilityí

Greater Manchester based Keoghs Solicitors is one company to have successfully trialled a new home working strategy among their 400 staff. Leading the operation HR Manager

Valda Lax says:

ìKeoghs have seen an increasing focus on alternative ways of working, such as home working. Home working benefits not only the firm, in terms of office space but also offers greater flexibility for our employees.

Keoghs has invested in home working across a variety of roles within the firm and it is something we intend to promote further in 2008.î

Many companies within the research said that advances in technology had made it possible to successfully maintain the face to face contact necessary for group meetings.

Concerned by the fact that many directors with a negative experience of home-working are, for this reason, failing to consider implementing a clear policy, Durler is launching a campaign to encourage a more open-minded view. A change of strategy is not without its challenges as Robin adds:

ìOf course, for certain positions within certain sectors, working from home is not the most practical option; many directors feel the need to be a visual presence, and concerns have been raised over a loss of control when employees home-work,î says Robin.

ìBut technological advances such as portable computers, broadband connections, Skype and video conferencing eliminate the obstacles for many; employers need to be open to offering self-motivated employees the option to home-work, as it is much more feasible than many people realise.

ìAll employers should be looking at ways to improve efficiency and become more environmentally-conscious.

Following the research, Durler will be working with businesses to help introduce policies and guidelines to introduce home-working effectively.

To find out more about the work Durler is conducting with businesses, contact 0870 770 8085.