Flexibility works

New research is launched today that finds a positive relationship between flexible working practices and employee performance.  Flexible Working and Performance is the result of a two-year collaboration between Cranfield School of Management and Working Families, the UK's "leading work-life balance campaign organisation".  Seven leading companies took part: Centrica, Citi, KPMG, Lehman Brothers, Microsoft, Pfizer, and the Defence Aerospace Business of Rolls-Royce.

Key findings of the report include that everyone involved in flexible working found there to be either a positive impact on individual performance in terms of both quality and quantity, or no impact at all; furthermore, in the majority of cases, flexibility has a positive effect in reducing and managing levels of stress, although for some flexible working could become a source of stress; flexible workers have higher levels of organisational commitment and, in some cases, higher levels of job satisfaction.  In addition, flexible working was a key competitive strategy in recruitment.

Working Families chief executive, Sarah Jackson OBE, said: "The key findings of project strengthen the business case for flexible working.   The research shows that flexibility has a positive effect on the quality and quantity of work and on employee commitment.  It is also clear that flexible working works best where it is available to all employees".