The world of work has changed and employees are demanding increasing amounts of flexibility. Key to enabling this flexibility and empowering a remote workforce resulting in real business benefits is I.T. Work is no longer merely the place you go. Now, in the new world of work, it is what you do and the tools that you use. Mobile technology and flexible working practices mean that the office is no longer as central to an employee’s life as it used to be. This is a classic win-win for businesses and their workforce saving office space and associated costs while enabling staff to focus on their jobs removing unproductive travel time and travel costs. However in order for the business to succeed in this new environment I.T must take the reigns and insure that the company’s flexible workers are empowered through technology.

1. Are your
flexible workers
empowered?
How I.T hold the key
However the benefits to empowering a flexible workforce are not only monetary.
per year is the estimated amount
UK businesses could save by
introducing flexible working.
The average business in the UK
could reduce the number of desks
by 46 through the introduction of
flexible working.
Through I.T your company can be
enabled to meet this demand.
Staff can benefit from flexible working in a
connected business in a variety of ways.
The long commute can be replaced by an hour of
productivity at home.
Employees can provide clients with the best
possible service by having the latest real-time
figures to hand through apps giving them mission
critical information, such as stock levels, latest
pricing data, sales and forecasts.
Through the introduction of mobile technology that meets flexible workers’ needs your
company can be better served to meet client expectations.
£34 billion 46
Mobile technology
Some staff benefits
Increased productivity
Using the right technology
14 millionBritons want to work flexibly but
only 6% of job adverts mention
flexible working conditions.
I.T can create real
business savings
through empowering
remote workers.
Sources:
http://www.hrzone.com/perform/people/news-the-business-case-for-flexible-working-ps34bn-worth-of-savings
http://www.theguardian.com/business/economics-blog/2015/jun/09/british-workers-flexible-working-only-6-percent-job-ads-offer
http://www.flexibility.co.uk/issues/transport/reduce_travel.htm
http://www.londonlovesbusiness.com/business-news/tech/10-killer-statistics-that-prove-how-transformative-flexible-working-is/5476.article
http://www.activedigital.co.uk/news-events/news-blog/does-flexible-working-actually-work/
Choosing the right
technology is key to
enabling a productive
flexible workforce.
I.T must be the
driver in meeting the
technological needs of
remote workers.
Takeaways
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reduction in employee travel time
When IBM introduced flexible working and
equipped staff with the mobile technology
needed to work on the move they saw a
13%
and a
increase in time spent with customers.
36%
of managers reported improved
productivity from staff once
flexible working was introduced.
of employees work longer hours
when working remotely to remove
suspicion that they might be
taking advantage of their time
away from the office.
70% 40%
I.T need to ensure that flexible workers are given the tools they need to work
productively and efficiently.
The I.T department should:
Work with the wider business to decide on a
BYOD policy or company approved devices.
Consider using video conferencing technology to
keep remote workers connected.
Remember I.T must empower
flexible workers through technology
in order for the business and its
employees to succeed.