Small firms see benefits of offering flexible working

More than nine out of 10 small businesses (91%) now offer flexible working arrangements, according to new research among firms with up to 50 employees.

It is often said to be harder for small businesses to accommodate their employees' needs for flexibility - yet the Open University's Small Enterprise Research Team has found that 85% of small firms believe they can gain valuable benefits by offering these work options to staff.

Part-time working is the most widely available form of flexible working, offered by seven out of 10 small companies. Staggered hours are available in 42% of firms, but only a quarter (26%) provide flexitime, and job-sharing schemes are available in just 7%. Just over a quarter (28%) offer flexible working locations, and 10% permit term-time working.

The research was based on the views of over 350 small businesses in Britain, mainly in the manufacturing, business services and retail/distribution sectors of the economy.

Most saw the benefits of providing flexible working, with retention of valuable employees being seen as the main advantage (by 56%). Almost half (47%) said it helps staff to feel valued, 33% mentioned attracting a wider range of candidates, and 23% felt that it increased productivity.