Calls sound for flexible working 'revolution'

The working world can be transformed to help counter climate change and boost employee satisfaction, it has been suggested.

Ann Beynon, BT's director in Wales, told the Western Mail that today's companies need not keep workers tied to their desks but should instead judge their performance on results rather than the number of office hours they put in.

"Employers need to forget the traditional concept of going to work and help bring smarter working policies into the mainstream, offering their employees flexible choice in location and hours of work," she told the newspaper.

But the benefits of working away from the office do not only affect employees and businesses, Ms Beynon added.

"Flexible working impacts on everything from reduction of rush hour traffic, with a direct impact on carbon emissions, to bottom line gains on productivity and overheads, to employee satisfaction, recruitment and retention," she said.

Employers allowing their staff to work from home will often make use of IP telephony to allow employees to remain easily contactable through an IP PBX and make calls securely through the company's VoIP service.