DALLAS, March 14, 2011 /PRNewswire/ -- 85 percent of U.S. 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 is bringing them significant benefits, including reduced overhead expenses, improved staff productivity and work-life balance. Additionally, 62 percent of U.S. businesses believe flexible working costs less than fixed office working.  

"It's truly good news for everyone that flexible work has become the norm. Everyone benefits from this, not just the employers and employees, but families, wider society and even the environment," explained Sande Golgart, regional vice president for Regus. "For the first time, a global report, based on 17,000 businesses across 80 countries, provides conclusive statistical evidence, on the availability of flexible working and the value derived from associated benefits."  

75 percent of businesses offering flexible working assert their staff has significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation. In addition, half believe flexible working improves staff productivity, and 25 percent say leveraging a flexible workplace 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.  

However, the survey uncovered that trust remains a major hurdle for many companies offering flexible working. 35 percent of U.S. businesses only offer this privilege to senior staff.  

Golgart adds, "With reports indicating employee loyalty increases when they are given some flexibility,(1) it is disappointing to see some companies still allow trust issues to be a hindrance in offering flexible working for all employees.  However, since a good proportion of them see its advantages, even if they are not doing it 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: www.regus.com

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

(1)Overextended workers find relief in workspace flexibility,  10^th May 2010, Workplace Options

SOURCE Regus