BT introduced homeworking in 1986. Already 7 out of 10 BT people work flexibly, and over 13 per cent are home based. The business case for flexible working in BT has been proven. Productivity has increased on average 20 per cent for homeworkers compared to office workers Homeworking has also saved BT £500m since 2000
BT is at the forefront of flexible working and is benefiting not only from the flexible approach of its own employees but also from providing flexible working solutions to its customers. One of the key elements helping BT is able to provide such solutions by applying the learning from its own journey to true flexibility. Openly transforming BT's own business capability by enabling our people to adopt flexible approaches to work as a unique insight which we are able to share with our customers
Homeworking
One of the benefits of the advances in communications technology is that it is often no longer necessary to be at a particular place to get work done. Working from home is now much easier than it was just a few years ago. BT now has circa 14,700 people working from home on a full time basis, and is keen to encourage others to consider whether this is an appropriate option for them.
In addition, BT has an 'occasional home working' option for people who work from home some of the time, and from an office base the rest of the time. Working from home has many benefits for individuals, society in general and BT. For individuals it may save hours of commuting and reduce stress. For society it reduces congestion in the rush hour, reduces C02 emissions and regenerates local economies. For BT it reduces our estate costs, increases productivity and enables us to demonstrate to potential customers that homeworking is a real alternative to more conventional ways of working and the real experieince to provide them with the communications solutions which make it a reality.
"For BT, flexible working is business as usual. It increases productivity, cuts costs, motivates our people and releases more potential. A real win-win for the business and for our people."
Bill Murphy - BT Flexible Working Champion and MD BT Business
BT's advice as an employer
It is universally agreed that the changes seen in the workplace over the last 20 years have been the greatest since the Industrial Revolution. Technology now gives us the ability to demand and deliver products and services any hour of any day. Marketplaces have never been more competitive, customers want cost efficiency and service when they want it and to deliver this, manufacturers and service providers need the most talented and effective people available.
Business is changing
In a 24/7 world, business needs people who are prepared to be flexible. Banks, shops and a wide range of other services are now available around the clock. Consumer power and increased competition means that providing quality service whenever customers want it has become a vital part of a successful business. The global market means that many companies are doing business internationally, and across time zones.
Talent wars
Population trends mean that there is a serious skills shortage. With an ageing population and a significant fall in the 24-35 age bracket, businesses face stiff competition for the best staff and individuals are increasingly putting greater value on work-life balance and flexibility than on traditional benefits such as salary. Demand for flexible work is increasing all the time, and across all levels of business, including at the most senior. Flexibility is a proven method of attracting and retaining experienced/valued employees who want to change their lifestyle. It also provides the possibility of recruiting from a wider pool of skills and locations.
Workers are changing
The number of women in the workforce continues to grow as does the number reaching more senior levels. Additionally there is a trend towards later motherhood, with many professional women now having children in their thirties. By this time companies have invested significant time, money and training in their careers, making them an invaluable resource organisations need to retain within the workforce. Flexible work options enable more women to stay in the workforce, delivering an extended return on the company's investment and maintaining quality resource. For example the return rate following maternity leave in the UK is 40% at BT it is 99%, with over 800 women pregnant each year BT retains at least 500 women other businesses would lose, saving circa £5m per annum in recruitment and training costs.
Technology
As demand for flexibility amongst employees grows, developments in new technology and systems are enabling this to become a reality. 'A day at the office' can just as easily be spent in the car, at home or even in another country. Work can now really be about what you do not somewhere you go. This enables a better use of office space/resources and can help reduce costs for BT.
Improved staff performance and loyalty
Employees who work flexibly have been shown in validated, quantified surveys to demonstrate higher levels of commitment, motivation, and job satisfaction, and lower rates of absenteeism and staff turnover. Properly managed, flexible working is an excellent way to improve staff performance and loyalty.
Legislation
The government has thrown its support behind flexibility at work, and backed up that support with a range of legislation covering the number of hours staff can be obliged to work, rights of parents and carers to request flexible working, parental leave and full rights for part-time staff. Companies must conform to this legislation.