Small businesses and entrepreneurs benefit from enhanced productivity by encouraging flexible working practices, according to the latest figures published today by Executive Offices Group (EOG), the serviced and virtual offices provider.
87 per cent of respondents to the EOG Customer Service Survey said the greatest benefit to flexible working was an increase in the efficiency and output of staff. In fact, not only was it beneficial but for many was a key driver of service and profitability levels.
John Drover, CEO, Executive Offices Group, commenting on the figures, said:
“With last week’s Budget focusing on entrepreneurship as a key means of stimulating and enabling long-term economic growth, simple measures like flexible working that are already contributing to small business profitability are to be both welcomed and actively encouraged.
“There seems to be a negative perception among many larger businesses about how to offer flexible working without compromising production or maintaining service levels. There is a trust issue at play here too, both of employee productivity away from the office and the capacity of technology.
“This latest survey clearly shows entrepreneurs and smaller businesses are much clearer about the benefits of allowing a more flexible approach to work. The business case is persuasive and where innovative practices work best, they combine meeting the needs of the organisation, its customers and the individual.”
Respondents to the survey, who included entrepreneurs and SMEs from the financial services, recruitment, technology, property, commodities and media sectors, also reported savings in overheads and a reduction in travel time and expenses as key benefits of a more flexible approach to work.