A new report has shown that many small businesses actually support the concept of flexible working.

The research, undertaken by the Small Business Research Trust (SBRT) found that 58 per cent of small firms provide the option of flexible working to their employees.

Over half also asserted that flexible working helped to motivate and retain staff and 47 per cent thought that flexible working enhanced productivity levels.

About a quarter of the businesses with flexible working offer some or all of their workers the opportunity to work from home. Around a third provide flexitime to some or all of their employees.

Yet less than a quarter of firms offering either part-time working, flexitime or working from home had formalised these offers.

Simon Wainwright, head of small business at HSBC Bank, which commissioned the report, said: "SMEs are clearly switched on to the benefits of enabling staff to choose when and where they work.

"Enabling people to work at home or share their job gives staff the freedom to spend more time with their families, or in leisure activities. Staff remain motivated and engaged, so it's a win-win situation."


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