23 January 2007

Some of the UK's major industry players have signed a concordat to encourage practices such as remote working over the Internet.

The Confederation of British Industry (CBI) and the Trades Union Congress, along with other bodies, have joined the Work Wise UK scheme, in a move that has been hailed as a workplace change equal to the industrial revolution.

Enabling staff to use "smarter working" practices, such as remote working and working from home via an Internet connection could improve their work-life balance, lower stress levels and make them healthier, claims Work Wise UK.

Richard Lambert, Director General of the CBI, comments: "Many businesses are already reaping rewards from more flexible and smarter ways of working, achieving improved productivity and staff recruitment and retention."

Work Wise UK recently called for managers in the public sector to adopt more flexible working patterns - stating that the "rigid" nine-to-five work structure has many drawbacks.

© Adfero Ltd

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