News on 05 January 2001
Research released at the British Psychological Society’s
Annual Conference yesterday shows that flexible working helps senior executives
outperform their ‘nine to five’ colleagues.
The study into flexible workers amongst senior managers was commissioned
by the Resource Connection and the Industrial Society and carried out
in conjunction with SHL. The research revealed that job-sharing and flexible
working arrangements such as flexi-time, reduced working hours and working
at home can significantly improve performance. It also showed that flexible
workers scored higher on resilience, leadership and commitment.
Carol Savage, managing director of the Resource Connection, commented:
"This is the first time that the efficacy of flexible work and its
contribution to the bottom line has been proved through research, and
that the specific characteristics that determine individual flexible workers
versus jobsharers can be identified. Moreover, we are able to help people
determine the most suitable jobsharer partner for them, as well as showing
people what to look out for when embarking on a jobsharer relationship.
The Resource Connection will be using these findings to help both employers
and employees implement effective flexible work opportunities."
Karen Janman, head of assessment, SHL UK, said: "This research is
especially exciting as it provides invaluable insight to employers and
employees alike about characteristics that best suit an individual to
job share or more individual flexible working. This vital information
can then be used to form the basis of the management, coaching and developmental
process".
Dr John Knell, deputy director of Futures at the Industrial Society, also
commented: "There have been two significant barriers to flexible
working among senior managers. Firstly, employers find it very hard to
believe that flexible working amongst their senior executives can work.
Secondly, senior managers often regard making such a request as "career
death". This research knocks both these misconceptions on the head.
"To show that work life balance and high performance can go hand
in hand will be a significant contribution to the work life debate, but
the research also has significant implications for working in a globalised
24-hour society," he added.
www.indsoc.co.uk
