Good news for both employers and deskers: while employers are splashing out on posh new kit for their workerforce, making it ever more mobile, those newly mobilised workers are paying employers back by cramming in loads of extra hours. But, thankfully, the work-life balance is better for these 'teleworkers', despite the long hours.
A recent study by Citrix Online highlighted the pivotal role of technology in enabling flexible working practices, such as desking. Over half the businesses surveyed said they provided the technology to facilitate a virtual work environment.
Laptops or notebooks came out on top (77%), followed by smartphones (44%), as the devices most used. This means many employees no longer need to spend every day in the main office, making alternative work locations are a growing possibility.
Elsewhere, a report compiled by Brigham Young University found flexible working through technology enabled the average employee to put in a staggering 57 hours per week, without any interference in their personal life (or so it says here). This is significantly greater than the typical 38 hours achieved by those working in company offices.
It's just another example of the advantages of flexible working practices, such as desk space rental. If employers give workers the freedom – and trust – to enter and leave their office space as they wish, plus their choice of desk location, they can get the most out of them.
It's no surprise to us a clear correlation has been found between happiness, flexible hours and productivity. There needs to be a shift from 'presenteeism' towards flexibility and mobility to ensure workers add value, not just hours. This can be achieved through greater investment in technology, creating a win-win situation for employers and employees alike.