Although offering flexible working can be of benefit to both staff and their own organisations, owners of small businesses should think carefully before introducing such a policy.
Such is the assertion of David Gibson, head of employment at law firm Crutes, who reports that there are a variety of options within the provision of this kind of staff benefit, including job sharing, allowing employees to work from home and flexi-time.
Writing in the Northern Echo, Mr Gibson also points to a recent Confederation of British Industry study which reveals some 93 per cent of employers currently offer at least one form of flexible working.
And in news that could interest employers searching for business insurance, it was suggested owners of small firms are likely to see a fall in absenteeism and stress levels by introducing flexible working.
The need for managers to maintain open lines of communicating with those who are working from home or on a remote basis was also pointed out.
However, he stated that this should not present difficulties to small businesses "as there will not be too many employees for managers to supervise".
Those on the search for business insurance may also be interested to read a recent Daily Telegraph article which states that should migrant workers opt to return home, owners of small firms could be left with "a headache they can do without".
