Some flexible benefits ''do not suit everybody''

Not all flexible benefits, such as telecommuting, suit all employees.

This is the view of Steve Huxham, chairman of the Recruitment Society, who said that allowing some staff to work from home can be very beneficial.

Many people who operate in this way are able to achieve a better work-life balance, reducing stress and increasing motivation.

However, some telecommuters miss the hustle and bustle of the office environment and could therefore feel isolated and demotivated.

Earlier this month, Brigham Young University discovered homeworkers find achieving a work-life balance easier.

The paper, titled Finding an Extra Day or Two, is to be published in the Journal of Family Psychology.

Researchers looked at 24,436 employees of computer firm IBM to find out the amount of work hours which interfere with home life, discovering the "breaking point" is 38 hours.

Reviewing the findings, Mr Huxham remarked: "If you have an understanding and supportive employer, and an understanding and supportive social environment as a home worker, then it does free up stress," he remarked.

However, employers must avoid complacency and continue to offer training opportunities to telecommuters, the expert concluded. Back