A survey has shown concerns over flexible working are not shared by most UK managers, as three-quarters agreed it improves productivity.
The study, involving 597 managers across the country, was conducted by the Equal Parenting Project, which is jointly run by the University of Birmingham and the University of York.
The research suggests that managers no longer stigmatise flexible working, with 51.8% agreeing that working from home improves employee concentration and 62.8% agreeing that it increases motivation.
An even larger proportion of managers (76.5%) believe flexible working generally increases productivity.
One local company, Elite Leisure Collection, believes that flexible working is critical to their future success.
The group, which owns Salomons Estate, Bewl Water and One Warwick Park Hotel said:
“Easing the rigidity of the standard 9 to 5 has been transformative for our teams”.
“From parents to apprentices, being able to support remote arrangements has resulted in higher job satisfaction and productivity”.
Elena Van Leeuwen, who is taking a Digital Marketing apprenticeship at Elite Leisure Collection said:
“I have a few months left until I complete my course, and working from home once a week has really allowed me to concentrate and get my head down as I reach the final hurdle”.
Another employee, Sunisa Avery, added:
“I love working from the office, but when you have small children, it’s not always possible. Knowing I have the option to finish my working day from home allows me to pick my children up at 3 o’clock when after-school clubs are not an option – it really takes the pressure off”.
But it’s not just the leisure group’s employees making the most of their flexible mindset.
Operations Director of One Warwick Park Hotel, Nick Moore, said:
“Over the past three years, the remote and hybrid model has come out on top, and due to its growing acceptance, there is a greater demand for coworking spaces.
“Working from home isn’t always an option, improper desk set-ups, busy households, or simply the lack of human interaction can make this option difficult for many, which is why we’ve been working hard to adapt our offering to the corporate market”.
Just a 10-minute walk from Tunbridge Wells Station and in the heart of The Pantiles’ thriving business community, the hotel launched a new corporate concierge service last month, which it hopes will give remote workers and travelling entrepreneurs more support.
As part of the service, guests will benefit from a reserved space in the hotel’s coworking lounge, which is well equipped with free, high-speed Wi-Fi, priority car parking, and 10% off in the all-day dining Brasserie and bar.
Exclusive discounts on meeting and event spaces are also on offer, which can cater for 2 – 180 delegates. The three different-sized function rooms come with bespoke breakfast and working lunch menus, sophisticated AV equipment and a dedicated events manager to help meetings run smoothly.
Those looking for overnight options can also take advantage of the best and lowest hotel rates, bedroom upgrades, and late check-out or early check-in.
The new offering is headed up by Zoe Ward, One Warwick Park’s Reservations Manager and Corporate Concierge.
She said: “We have always been a service-orientated business, and we want to deliver that in every aspect of what we do.
“But Covid-19 upended all of it. And as remote working has become the norm, our new corporate concierge service will play a vital role in enhancing our guests’ experience that one step further.”
To take advantage of One Warwick Park’s new corporate concierge offering, guests should contact Zoe at: zoe.ward@onewarwickpark.co.uk
