The survey which asked business owners and mobile workers on the current state of mobile working in the UK found that more than half of businesses claim they are reaping the benefits of mobile working, with 58% of companies stating that, as opposed to office working, it has visibly added to productivity within the workforce. 39 per cent confirmed it had even contributed to business savings.
Flexible working for staff was the top reason why businesses would adopt mobile working technology. However, with 63 per cent of mobile workers claiming that mobile working has meant they work longer hours, just 26 per cent of those said they didn’t mind the overtime.
Companies need to show employees the benefits of this flexible working structure and be able to advise workers on how and when to switch off, according to Dr Moneeb Awan, managing director at WorkMobileâ:
“From office workers who want the flexibility of working mobile, to businesses that want to drive productivity from their logistics personnel or monitor all types of labourers on construction sites, mobile working is affecting pretty much everybody in the world of work.
“The findings of our report show that it’s becoming a more attractive prospect for both employees and businesses, with both sides notably feeling the benefits from this flexible way of working. Giving staff the freedom to work from home or out on site means they can schedule their job around other commitments and support a healthy work-life balance.
“However, with many feeling that mobile working is causing them to unwillingly work extra hours, it’s vital that businesses are fully supporting staff and teaching them how to use their mobile devices effectively so that they know when to switch off.”
