Flexible working at BT has benefited staff and the company, according to research by the University of Bradford.
A survey of 1874 BT employees who work at home as ‘flexiworkers’ on its Workabout programme found that 90 per cent experienced less stress and felt they were more productive.
The study, carried out on behalf of the telecommunications company, found flexiworking was allowing a ‘small but significant’ minority of disadvantaged and disabled employees to stay in work. Around ten per cent of respondents said they would otherwise have been unable to work.
Adrian Hosford, group social policy director at BT, said: ‘The study shows most staff say they are enjoying an improved quality of life, reduced stress from commuting and are feeling more productive. BT is benefiting from higher employee productivity, better morale and lower absenteeism.’ Flexiworking has also allowed some to spend more time as volunteers. Around 14 per cent (267) said working flexibly made it easier to take part in community activities.