Flexible Working

Subjects such as flexible hours of working and occasional home-based working may be considered. Recent government legislation which determines specific requirements in this regard may be an important factor.

There are important 'business continuity' benefits to consider in that an organisation with a flexible working policy in place is in a much stronger position if it has to deal with unexpected events.

Examples of 'business continuity events' include fire or water damage to the main workplace, server failure or events that prevent employees attending the office, such as extreme weather, transport failures or influenza epidemics.

Analytical tools are available to explore the financial advantages inherent in 'contouring' appropriate levels of staff cover at peak times, including the possibility of improving off peak cover for multi-national firms where world time zones are a major inconvenience.

Advantages of flexible working include attraction and retention of a higher calibre of employees by improving the perception of the workplace.

The time and resources consumed in getting to and from the workplace are also reduced, which can greatly increase staff morale.

   Reductions in the number of rush hour journeys undertaken by a substantial number of employees should reduce the volume of atmospheric pollutants released.