Smaller businesses 'not using remote working'

News Article - 27 September 2006
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More than eight out of ten small businesses have out-of-office working policies in place, although less that half take advantage of them, according to new research.

A poll by network operator Thus found that many small and medium sized enterprises (SMEs) were interested in the advantages of remote working, although only 45 per cent of employees used the opportunity to work out of the office.

SMEs which had introduced remote working said they enjoyed greater flexibility, the opportunity to work in a quieter environment and less commuting, all of which helped to improve employees' work-life balance.

However, some businesses were held back by technology issues, as out-of-hours support was unavailable for nearly three-quarters of those able to work from home, while more than half of SMEs expected employees to contribute to the cost of some items.

Dan Cole, head of product management at Thus, said that people wanted to work more flexibly.

"For example, with the right technology in place…business travellers can utilise communications solutions to access the company network regardless of location, providing them with a mobile office.

"It's a case of [smaller businesses] recognising and accommodating this change," he added.

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