Flexible working benefits employers, expert claims

An expert has added her voice to the growing calls for the extension of flexible working rights and stressed that such arrangements can bring tangible benefits to both employers and staff.

Gill Trevelyan, head of good practice services at advisory body Acas, explained that flexible working can have a positive impact on relations between bosses and workers, boosting loyalty and cutting the amount of time lost to absences.

“The benefit of flexible working to both the employer and employee can be far reaching,” she said. “Flexible patterns of work can help to meet customer needs, maximise the available labour and help employees achieve a better work-life balance.”

Ms Trevelyan added that flexible working could be an effective method of combating stress in the workplace, as well as increasing productivity by helping to improve morale.

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Bosses looking for expert advice on managing relations with their workforce should consider attending the Employee Engagement Summit 2011, which will take place at London’s Canary Wharf on March 3rd.

Posted by Ross George