February 28, 2014
UK culture of presenteeism restricts productivity and flexible working
Further evidence emerges of how the much talked about culture of presenteeism in the UK is hampering the productivity of the country’s workers and restricting the opportunities presented by flexible working. A survey from fit-out company Overbury claims that around four out of five UK employees believe they need to be seen at work to win the approval of bosses and two thirds think it will further their careers even though over two thirds of them (70 percent) believe they get twice as much work done when they are away from the office. “Our research found that presenteeism comes from a complex mix of factors including demands from management, peer pressure and a self-inflicted concern over how others see us. This complexity may be why presenteeism is proving so hard to shift,” said Chris Booth, managing director of Overbury.
December 6, 2013
Extended rights to flexible working could prove a logistical headache for employers
by Pam Loch • Comment, Flexible working, Workplace
A recent decision by the government could result in emptier offices on Fridays and Mondays as staff vie with each other to work from home. This is because from April 2014 onwards, employers will have to be prepared to consider flexible working requests from any employee, not just for employees who have children under the age of 17 or responsibilities as carers. One of the more challenging areas for employers is how to manage condensed hours requests and to keep enough staff covering core office hours, without affecting the business. This could result in employers having to juggle competing flexible working requests from employees who they may not be able to accommodate all at the same time. More →