A new management guide suggests that line managers must be enthusiastic about flexible working practices before they can put them into use.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) said that implementing flexible working practices required more than knowledge of the technical aspects or the skills to implement it, but also a desire for the changes.

A survey by the organisation found that demonstrating fairness between employees was a major stumbling block in changing working practices, as well as increasing team communication. Just under half of line managers had reported problems with changing work practices.

Rebecca Clarke, organisation and resourcing advisor at CIPD, said: "CIPD research shows there are clear business benefits to be achieved from introducing effective flexible working policies". Over two thirds said that flexible working had improved staff motivation.

"Organisations who only half-heartedly introduce policies or fail to effectively implement good policies could lose out on the possible benefits," she added.

The guide advises line managers on strategies to introduce the practices painlessly within organisations, as well as on aspects of organisational culture which allow flexible working to be "business as usual".

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