Flexible working is a key issue for both employers and employees and now the Government is promoting its benefits.
In November 2011, the transport Minister Norman Baker launched the ‘Anywhere Working’ consortium, with its purpose being to enable employers to understand the benefits of flexible working. The consortium aims to help organisations achieve greater productivity, reduce employee stress and absenteeism, and reduce carbon emissions generated by business travel.
The Anywhere Working consortium is backed by big businesses (including Business in the Community, Microsoft, Nokia, Nuffield, Vodafone and Regus) and The Trades Union Congress.
On 16 January 2012, the consortium set up a new portal (click here) which contains a number of resources for employers and employees, including training, guidance, case studies and product offers. Organisations can also use the portal’s Savings Calculator to measure how much time, money and carbon energy they can save by working more flexibly.
The consortium is holding an ‘Anywhere Working Week’, beginning on 27 February 2012, and will provide additional guidance to organisations to help them learn more about flexible working and how it can benefit them and their workforce.