UK workers call for more flexible working

Research by VAR Affiniti reveals environmental issues and home working are high on most workers' agendas

Environmental policies and flexible working are set to drive more UK workers out of the office and into the home, according to communications integrator Affiniti.

The VAR carried out research in a bid to find the top employee issues in the workplace among its customers and also the factors that are most likely to change the way businesses operate.

Results revealed that 37 per cent of workers will only consider roles that offer flexible working. In addition three quarters of respondents felt the environment was important and a fifth felt the environment will become a top priority for businesses in the future.

However Affiniti discovered that a third of respondents did not have any type of environmental policy in place, with just five per cent having a carbon trading scheme. Additionally, 53 per cent admitted that being green is only sometimes seen as a business issue and 80 per cent of businesses still condone unnecessary business travel.

Affiniti also revealed that workers themselves are taking responsibility for the environment with 75 per cent claiming to turn off computers and electrical items, and recycling paper where possible.

Employees are also calling for a more effective work/life balance, with 68 per cent citing this as the top reason for home working. Increased productivity, reduced commuting time and reducing congestion also ranked highly.

Despite this, 75 per cent of UK businesses do not have a proper policy in place. Currently ranked as the biggest benefit in a job, 31 per cent of workers feel working at home ranks high above other benefits.

Gary Young, managing director of Affiniti said: “Collaborative working will undoubtedly drive the workplace of the future, meaning people can be engaged both socially and professionally from home whilst helping to protect the environment. Organisations and employees alike must understand how communications technology such as wireless working, video conferencing and mobile technology will help drive this revolution.’’