88 Percent of Canadian Businesses Now Offer Flexible Working

DALLAS, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 88 percent of Canadian companies now offer their staff some form of flexible working, according to a new global research report from Regus, global leader in flexible workplace solutions. The majority of those same companies are finding that flexible working has significant benefits, including reduced overhead expenses, improved staff productivity and work-life balance. Additionally, 66 percent of Canadian companies believe flexible working costs less than fixed office working.

"Flexible working becoming the norm is truly good news for everyone because its benefits are so significant and widespread. Beyond just the employers and employees, families, wider society and even the environment, experience improvements," explained Wes Lenci, Regus regional vice president for Canada. "This is the first time, a global report, based on 17,000 businesses across 80 countries, has provided conclusive statistical evidence, on the availability of flexible working and the value derived from associated benefits."

More than 65 percent of businesses offering flexible working assert their staff has significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation. In addition, a third believe flexible working improves staff productivity and helps them scale quickly to cope with rapid growth. More than 30 percent of flexible working businesses also feel their policy helps them access a wider talent pool, in addition to enabling them to employ staff in more remote locations.

However, the survey uncovered that trust remains a major hurdle for many companies offering flexible working. 45 percent of Canadian businesses only offer this privilege to senior staff.

Lenci adds, "With reports indicating employee loyalty increases when they are given some flexibility[1], it's disappointing to see some companies still allow trust issues to be a hindrance in offering flexible working for all employees. However, since a significant portion of these businesses claim to see its advantages, even if they are not putting it into practice at the moment, we can expect further growth in flexible working across the decade."

Methodology

More than 17,000 business respondents from the Regus global contacts database were interviewed during February 2011. The Regus global contacts database of more than one million business-people worldwide is highly representative of senior managers and owners in businesses across the globe. Respondents were asked about their views on the economic outlook and on flexible working practices. The research was managed and administered by the independent organisation, MarketingUK.

About Regus

Regus is the world's largest provider of workplace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional meeting rooms, business lounges and the world's largest network of video communication studios. Regus enables people to work their way, whether it's from home, on the road or from an office. Customers such as Google, GlaxoSmithKline, and Nokia join hundreds of thousands of growing small and medium businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace needs to Regus, allowing them to focus on their core activities.

More than 800,000 customers a day benefit from Regus facilities spread across a global footprint of 1,100 locations in 500 cities and 86 countries, which allow individuals and companies to work wherever, however and whenever they want to. Regus was founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1989, is headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more information please visit: http://www.regus.com

To download a copy of the full report please visit http://www.regus.presscentre.com

    
    ---------------------------------

    [1] Overextended workers find relief in workspace flexibility, 10th May
        2010, Workplace Options


    Press contacts
    Julia Gaynor
    Affect Strategies
    +1-212-398-9680
    jgaynor@affectstrategies.com