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More U.S. Businesses Show Work Flexibility Benefitting Employees

By Trupti Kamath
TMCnet Contributor

Regus, a provider of workplace solutions, conducted a survey on the availability of flexible working by companies and the value derived from associated benefits. According to the research report, 85 percent of U.S. companies now offer their staff some form of flexible working. The majority of those same companies are finding that flexible working is bringing them significant benefits, including reduced overhead expenses, improved staff productivity and work-life balance.

"It's truly good news for everyone that flexible work has become the norm. Everyone benefits from this, not just the employers and employees, but families, wider society and even the environment," explained Sande Golgart, regional VP for Regus, in a statement.

More than 17,000 business respondents from the Regus global contacts database were interviewed during February 2011. The Regus global contacts database of more than one million business-people worldwide is highly representative of senior managers and owners in businesses across the globe. Respondents were asked about their views on the economic outlook and on flexible working practices. The research was managed and administered by the independent organization, MarketingUK.

The survey results also found that 62 percent of U.S. businesses believe flexible working costs less than fixed office working. Around 75 percent of businesses offering flexible working assert their staff has significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation.

In addition, half believe flexible working improves staff productivity, and 25 percent say leveraging a flexible workplace helps them scale quickly to cope with rapid growth. More than 30 percent of flexible working businesses also feel their policy helps them access a wider talent pool. 

However, the survey uncovered that trust remains a major hurdle for many companies offering flexible working. Thirty-five percent of U.S. businesses only offer this privilege to senior staff. 

Golgart added, "With reports indicating employee loyalty increases when they are given some flexibility, it is disappointing to see some companies still allow trust issues to be a hindrance in offering flexible working for all employees. However, since a good proportion of them see its advantages, even if they are not doing it at the moment, we can expect further growth in flexible working across the decade."

Regus is the world's largest provider of workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world's largest network of video communication studios. The company recently opened up new growth opportunities for business in Serbia by opening its first centre in Belgrade. The centre increases the support and location choice available to companies looking to do business in Eastern Europe.