The Cranfield School of Management and Working Families report reveals that 61% of employees believe working flexibly has a positive impact on the quantity of work done, while 45% of managers felt the same. A similar number of managers felt that this style of working had no impact on the amount of work done.
The quality of the work improves too, with 65% of employees making this point. Nearly half (46%) the managers agree, although almost half say it makes no difference.
Stress levels are also positively affected, with half of employees saying working flexibly reduces them. However, 16% say they feel more stressed when working this way.
"This report shows that helping parents and carers to better balance their work and home commitments can be good for families and business,” says minister for employment relations Pat McFadden. "We are extending the right to request flexible working to parents of older children, with Imelda Walsh, HR Director of Sainsbury's, due to report back soon on the best way to do it."
The report surveyed 3,580 flexible workers and managers of these workers.
