Cumbria Chamber of Commerce has offered insight for businesses after data revealed a large amount of office workers desire flexible working hours above all other perks when looking for a job

A total of 40 per cent of office workers surveyed by Moneypenny said this is the most important thing to look for.

Suzanne Caldwell, managing director at Cumbria Chamber of Commerce, said this is not surprising, as the benefits are multi-faceted, but added from an employer’s perspective there is not straightforward answer as to if it’s beneficial: “We’ve found it does reduce absenteeism – think about the days when you don’t feel up to going into the office and/or don’t want to spread your germs around but can get on with at least some of your work quietly at home.

“We’ve also found people actually often do more when they can get on without distractions.

“However there are downsides and pitfalls.

“It’s really important to have a proper policy and process so you are and are seen to be fair and consistent in arrangements.

“Flexible and hybrid working don’t work for every role so there can be tensions if it’s offered to some not others.

“You need to be sure your staff are actually working and working as hard as they should be – as ever there are some people who will take advantage of a situation – and have a process to deal with it if they’re not.

“People have different home environments and personalities.

“Not all are suitable for home working and your process needs to address that.

“If not everyone wants to or can work from home then you need the right office facilities in place for that with enough space.

“So it’s not all about saving office space necessarily.

“As a business you need to stay in control of who’s doing what, where and when rather than creating a free for all.

“Arrangements must suit the needs of the business not just the individual needs and preferences of staff.”

Suzanne listed various potential issued ranging from managing sufficient cover, meetings, productivity, as well as health and safety issued.

If people are working from ome they may not have the right kit at all times.

Finally, the issue of data security is glaring, and all processes and policies need to be rightly implemented before any flexi-working standard is set, she said.

She concluded: “There’s a lot to think about, plan and get right, but if you do that there can be real benefits all round.”

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