Working from home ‘boosts employee loyalty’

An expert has claimed that allowing people to work from home can help to boost relationships between firms and their staff, as employees often feel more trusted and are therefore less likely to leave.

Telework Association development director Shirley Borrett said that several studies have indicated homeworkers are more productive than their office-based counterparts and stressed the practical benefits of such arrangements.

“One of the biggest reasons that people are more productive is that they don’t waste time commuting,” she explained. “One of the other aspects is loyalty.”

Ms Borrett implied that companies feeling the pressure of post-recession budgetary constraints can reduce staff turnover by offering individuals the option to carry out their duties from home, also lowering recruitment and sickness absence costs.

Bosses seeking practical advice on how to get the best out of their workforce should consider taking part in the forthcoming Performance Management Forum 2011, which will be held at London’s Canary Wharf in February.

Posted by Ross George