44% of UK companies not equipping mobile workers properly
Research has revealed that almost half the companies in the UK that employ mobile workers are not providing them with the technology they need to carry out their roles effectively.
The study, which was carried out by Virgin Media Business, shows just how many companies are not prepared for the new flexible working regulations that came into effect this week. The new regulations will allow all employees to request flexible working arrangements.
Almost 1,300 remote employees took part in the survey, with just under 90% stating they believed that traditional working hours of 9-5 were not as relevant as they were a decade ago.
The survey also showed that while some companies are providing workers with smartphones and SIMs (30%) and tablets (16%) to enable them to work away from their desk, a large number of mobile workers found that getting access to broadband or Wi-Fi services was a major issue, as was accessing relevant work files, intranet, emails and messaging tools. Less than one-quarter of those surveyed believed that security issues were a concern.
The marketing director of Virgin Media Business, Duncan Higgins, said that employees will be expecting their employer to accommodate flexible working arrangements and to ensure that these employees have the tools they need to work properly He pointed out that flexible working can transform the way a business operates if it is organised properly and can enable workers to deliver the results required in a very competitive marketplace.