Flexible Working is the Norm and No Longer the Exception

    SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA, July 27, 2011 /24-7PressRelease/ -- New research released today by global workspace provider, Regus reveals that almost nine out of ten companies in Australia are now offering their staff flexible working bringing them major benefits, such as improved staff productivity, reduced overheads, and staff who are achieving an improved work-life balance.

The Regus Flexible Working Report, which polled 17,000 businesses across 80 countries, identified that almost half (48%) of firms in Australia believe that flexible working costs less than fixed office working and four fifths of businesses offering flexible working report that their staff have a significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and motivation.

Of the Australian businesses offering flexible working the Flexible Working Report reveals:

- almost half believe that it improves staff productivity;
- a fifth say that it helps them scale rapidly to cope with rapid growth;
- a quarter feel that their policy helps them access a wider talent pool;
- 41% of Australian businesses only offer this privilege to senior staff.

William Willems, Regional Vice President Australia, New Zealand & South East Asia, explained, "That flexible work has become the norm is good news all round: from employer to employee, from families to wider society and even the environment, everyone can benefit. For the first time, a global report based on 17,000 respondents provides conclusive statistical evidence, on the availability of flexible working and the value derived from associated benefits.

"With the Australian government promoting flexible working practices as a solution to face the demographic challenges face by the country, it is disappointing to still see some companies letting trust issues hold them back from flexi-working for all employees. By basing the right to flexibility on seniority, some firms are missing out on huge opportunities and may even alienate new talent that they may have gone to a great effort to attract.

"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," said Mr Willems.

About Regus

Regus is the world's leading global provider of innovative workspace solutions, with products and services ranging from fully equipped serviced offices and office space, to professional meeting rooms, business lounges, virtual offices and the world's largest network of video communication studios. Regus delivers a new way to work, whether it's from home, on the road or from an office. Regus centres are located in Melbourne, Sydney, Perth, Brisbane, S. Yarra, Adelaide, Canberra,North Sydney and Chatswood, for a total of 21 centres in Australia.

Over 800,000 clients a day benefit from Regus facilities spread across a global footprint of 1,100 locations in 500 cities and 88 countries, which allow individuals and companies to work wherever, however and whenever they want to. For more information please visit www.regus.com.au.

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