Wake up and smell the work life balance12 June 2006
We get up, get dressed and go to work - every day a similar routine for Brits earning a living, but one that no longer needs to be so rigid. Flexible working could revolutionise the lives of UK workers as well as boost the productivity and profits of businesses nationwide.
A survey conducted by YouGov for BT Business revealed that 84 per cent of workers in the UK would like to achieve a better work life balance, yet just seven per cent work flexibly. Not only that, but 37 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women would agree to a lower pay rise if they were able to work more from home.
The survey found that a higher proportion of 18- to 30-year-olds were interested in flexible working, 43 per cent, than those over the age of 50, but there are still some 31 per cent of people in this age range who would accept a reduction in salary in exchange for flexibility.
It is perhaps unsurprising that employees of all ages would welcome the opportunity to work flexibly and remotely, but by its nature work life balance can offer advantages to everyone - staff, employers and the economy as a whole. The YouGov findings revealed that even in the early stages after establishing flexibility-enhancing technology, 52 per cent recorded improved productivity and 39 per cent noted that organisational flexibility increased.
As broadband technology continues to evolve and improve, the connections available are becoming faster, more efficient and of a higher quality than ever before.
Installing a system like BT's Remote Access Pack means that no matter where workers live, they can access the company network and work just as if they were sitting at their desk in the company's office. Taking advantage of BT Broadband Voice can significantly reduce phone bill costs and offer improved customer service through advanced call functions. Or installing BT Openzone can allow workers to access the internet wherever they may be, waiting at an airport or sitting in a café. As a result, staff are more productive with their working hours and do not need to waste time travelling to and from the office.
Beatriz Butsana-Sita of BT Business said: "The traditional nine to five, Monday to Friday routine with the same people in the same offices looks more and more out-of-date.
"Making effective and productive use of our time is essential, not only to gain competitive advantage but also to help maintain a positive balance in our lives."
In order to raise awareness of the ways in which broadband technology can enhance and improve the work life balance in the UK, BT broadband Offic ewill be offering information and advice this week on how employers could facilitate flexible working technology and practices. We will also take a look at what individuals should do to increase their work life balance, in terms of creating a work environment at home and whether you are an employer on an employee we will run through exactly which internet products and converged communications should be utilised in order to achieve flexibility.
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