Flexible working 'gives access to the best people'
May 29 2008
Permitting people to work from home enables employers to 'reach out and get the best people', an employment expert explains.
According to Caroline Waters, director of employment policy for BT, many managers refuse to allow their staff to work outside the office because 'they think it gives them control'.
However, Waters argues that flexibility and being an environmentally-friendly business are two factors which appeal to potential high-calibre job candidates.
She comments: 'We want them to commute and they want to work from home – just in this country alone, 1.1 billion hours are spent just in getting to work.
'Does that sound like an economy for the 21st century? I don't think so.'
As such, she believes that a change in mindset among employers is essential.
Research by the AA and Work Wise UK have found that the average commuter spends nearly 29 days a year travelling to work - more than five years over a working lifetime.
Comment by Karen Kennard
Sunday 22nd June 2008As owner of Flexible Skills Bank (www.flexibleskillsbank.co.uk) I have spent the last 18 months working with small businesses introducing them to Mums (and don't forget the Dads) out in the market place who are looking for work, but want and need to work flexibly to fit in with their family commitments. Many of these people have many years experience in their professional field before they have a family and can offer expertise to small businesses who are able to offer them flexiblity in their work. Not only that, you will find that they are more dedicated to you as an employer as they are keen to prove that flexible working is beneficial to your business. It is a win-win situation. The parents find the flexibility they need and small businesses can employ people who may previously have been the domain of large corporates, but who now want a part time job, local to home, but still want to use their knowledge and experience.
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