Around one in seven staff at California-based Agilent Technologies are now on flexible working arrangements, according to the firm’s second environment and social responsibility report.
The report, which is published online, says 15 per cent of workers have chosen options such as telecommuting or job-sharing.
Agilent has also introduced a ‘flexible time off’ programme which allows employees to take paid time off by the hour rather than by the day. It says this means staff can achieve a better balance between work and home life.
It also has a programme that helps staff to manage work pressures, as well as a service for employees that puts them in touch with agencies caring for children and disabled relatives.
The technology company, which employs 41,000 people at facilities in more than 40 countries and had a net revenue of $8.4billion (£5.9bn) in 2001, also encourages ‘working-parent networks’ that allow employees to share their experiences of how best to balance the demands of work with child care.