More than three-quarters (72 per cent) of businesses surveyed by Orange believe offering flexible working boosts self-esteem in the workplace.
It was also found 53 per cent believe it improves productivity, while 58 per cent are under the impression it aids staff retention.
The company’s UK vice president of business Paul Tollet said adopting such an approach does not require “significant financial investment”, just a “clear policy to ensure it is offered fairly and a willingness to provide employees with the tools they need to get the job done”.
He added that the low cost of solutions to aid flexible working means there is “no reason” to delay its implementation.
David Cumberbatch, a business psychologist speaking on behalf of Vodafone, has claimed HR strategies and practice about flexibility should be about meeting employees’ needs, not just allowing them to choose where and when they work.
