The whole business community is aware of the fact that the desire for flexible working has increased among the workforce in recent years. The chief driving force behind this major change in working conditions has been the major improvements in communication technology which allows so many job functions to be done remotely from the normal office base. A number of surveys have revealed that only three per cent of the workforce Work From Home permanently and this statistic has not altered for a number of years. Therefore it is clear that the increase in flexible working is taking place among those workers who need to Work From Home for just a part of the week.

The Government’s Omnibus Survey has issued some data on the reasons why current flexible workers are doing so. Astonishingly, the most popular reasons are work-related rather than private. The option to work longer hours and perform their tasks to a higher standard are the most popular reasons why workers currently Work From Home. If this was the normal attitude to their tasks then directors would be hoping that all workers would want flexible working! Alas tasks that are easily done at home and the figures show that only 3 per cent of workers who have never worked from home are convinced that they could do their jobs at home. As technology plays such a vital role in flexible working a modern Internet Business would probably be most likely to offer Online Jobs to its workers.

There are definite benefits for the employer who embraces flexible working. In the recruitment process an increased number of people would be attracted to the company. This could include disabled people who may be perfectly suited to some jobs but need to Work From Home. In addition, mothers returning to work will have the option to do so earlier than they would normally be able to as they would need to arrange fewer days of child care. The advantages would also apply to any present workers who experience a change in their private circumstances which previously might have compelled them to leave the business. The option to opt for flexible working means that their knowledge will not be lost. Many workers who Work From Home will tell you that their productivity level rises as they suffer fewer interruptions from fellow workers, telephones and the general office environment. The negative effect of commuting daily to work should not be overlooked when discussing the benefits of flexible working. Twenty eight per cent of workers who travel to work by train decide to work at home at least once a month and for those who use the Tube the figure is eighteen per cent. Generally, staff morale is raised as workers realise that their employer is offering an alteration to their working conditions which will help them to overcome potential problem areas in their home lives and this in turn helps to reduce stress levels and sickness absences.

When all these points are viewed as a package it is apparent that it is not only the Internet Business that can get some commercial advantage from Online Jobs. If the proper conditions exist in terms of people, job specifications and available technology then all businesses should benefit from flexible working. If it really takes off then just think of the savings that could be made in buying smaller premises!!