Flexible working arrangements are becoming increasingly popular in the UK, not just for employees who enjoy working from home, but also for businesses that want to keep staff motivated and boost productivity while also benefiting from a more efficient real estate footprint. By Phil Sheridan, Senior Managing Director, Robert Half UK.

In fact, research from Robert Half UK revealed that remote working increased by more than a third (37 percent) in three years and 50 percent of employers in London have expanded remote working opportunities.

“Concerns that remote working without direct physical supervision leads to a decline in productivity appear to be increasingly unfounded. Especially if the alternative is hours of travel time and low employee morale. Of the HR directors surveyed over half (51 percent) thought greater employee autonomy would actually boost creativity and almost half (45 percent) believe it makes employees easier to manage. While there are certain roles where remote working and full flexibility cannot be offered, through advancements in technology employees who can work just as effectively away from the traditional office environment, can continue to make sharing, communicating and collaborating seamless and secure.

“Flexible Working Week is an opportunity for businesses to review their flexible working policies. Considering both business requirements and the drivers of employees – including agile workspaces, tailored benefits, aligned corporate values and flexible working – will all contribute to a company’s overarching employer brand. However, companies need to keep in mind that productivity isn’t determined by location, but by motivation. An engaged workforce is a happy one.”