North East firms open to flexible working options, data shows

New data has shown that more than two fifths of middle-market companies in the North East are open to flexible working options for staff – but many still worry about the practice’s security and management implications.

Research commissioned by accountancy firm RSM found that 41% of firms are considering introducing flexible terms of employment over the next five years, allowing staff to work outside the standard 9-to-5 or work remotely.

A quarter (25%) of North East respondents reported being happy with their current flexible working arrangements and have no plans to expand them. Just 5% said they are not looking to increase flexible working at all.

When asked about the benefits of greater flexibility, a majority (64%) in the region said it had a positive effect on efficiency. Similarly, 60% said it had helped with productivity and 54% with worker engagement.

But some North East-based companies have reservations about more flexible working arrangements. IT security was found to be considered the biggest risk (32%), followed by concerns about its impact on customer service (26%) and team dynamics (25%).

Jude Lean, senior HR consultant at RSM, said: “Employers are becoming much more enlightened about the beneficial impact that flexible working arrangements can have on productivity, engagement and efficiency.

“Some larger employers are leading the way by offering employees much greater control over their working times and working patterns, and it’s highly likely that others will follow suit.”

The survey was carried out by market research company YouGov.