A survey of over 1,000 small businesses found that 37 per cent of men and 34 per cent of women would be willing to give up part of their next pay rise if they could work from home. The research also showed that younger people would be more willing to consider lower pay if they could work from home – 43 per cent of 18 to 30 year olds would be willing to do so, compared to 31 per cent of the over 30s.
Small businesses are well aware of the benefits of implementing a flexible working policy, with 65 per cent of respondents citing staff retention and 50 per cent citing increased productivity as recognised reasons for doing so.
Furthermore, 59 per cent of directors from small companies said their businesses were just as capable of introducing a flexible working culture as larger organisations.
For firms thinking about how a flexible working policy could help them, a range of benefits to consider are:
• Recruiting and retaining staff – flexible working is increasingly seen as a valuable perk by potential recruits and current employees.
• Reduced personnel costs – through reduced hours, job-sharing or off-site working.
• Reduced absenteeism – which contributes towards increased output.

Meg Munn, Minister for Women and Equality said: “Smarter working should be integral in a modern economy. It increases productivity, competitiveness and helps our economy perform better in the global marketplace. It also helps people – it enables us to lead more fulfilled lives – having greater choice about how we balance our work with family commitments. These flexible work practices benefit us all.”

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