Flexible working 'means happier employees'
Oct 28 2008
Flexible working practices encourage happier and more productive employees, which is what businesses need in the current climate, according to an expert.
Jackie Orme, chief executive of the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development, says the government's recent announcement to delay plans to roll out flexible working practices to more people is not a good choice, the Birmingham Post reports.
'It sends out completely the wrong message,' she says, as it makes it seem like flexible working is a burden on businesses and can be easily cut back in hard times.
Orme states companies would benefit from the scheme as it would produce happier staff who are more engaged and productive.
'This is exactly what hard-pressed employers need in tougher times,' she adds.
However, Orme admits while small companies are behind the plans they do not think legislation is the way to implement them.
Denise Craig, West Midlands policy manager for the Federation of Small Businesses, tells the newspaper smaller firms already care for their staff in this way and do not need the government to rule on it.
'The problem with legislation is that it can actually make it harder for small businesses to be able to adapt to their employees,' he states.
A recent survey from WorkingMums.co.uk found many mothers think the biggest hurdle to returning to work is a perceived lack of flexibility from employers, OnRec reports.
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