January 19, 2005—New research suggests that despite wide recognition of the benefits of flexible working, the majority of companies prefer to operate within normal business hours for employees.
Elizabeth Hunt Recruitment polled 450 organizations. 40% said they recognized the benefits of flexible working in recruiting and retaining staff. A larger proportion reported that flexible working had a positive effect on their work culture, and more than a third said it had a positive effect company reputation and image.
Yet, over 60% of companies said they were unlikely to or definitely were not going to introduce flexible working.
The recruitment experts note that this appears to be contrary to legislation effective since April 2003 giving employees the right to apply to work flexibly and requiring employers to consider the request seriously.
—Richard Byatt
Reprinted with permission; copyright 2005 i-FM
