Trust is key to implementing flexible benefits, says expert

When successfully implemented, flexible benefits can boost motivation, drive staff retention and create a happier working environment.

This is the view of employment law expert Caroline Banwell, who offered her thoughts on the subject in a column for the Cambridge Network.

She identified the crucial role that trust plays in rolling out flexible benefits such as telecommuting or personally-tailored hours, pointing out that staff must be fully briefed on what is expected of them.

"If they [staff] are working from home, you need to have a policy for their working practices in place," Ms Banwell remarked.

"If it works, flexible working can … encourage good people to want to work for you," she continued.

The columnist ended by suggesting that flexible benefits could be workable whatever the business climate.

Earlier this month, Chartered Management Institute spokesman Mike Petrook also claimed that flexible benefits could boost retention as the UK emerges from recession. Back