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Jobs 'have been saved' through flexibility

Flexible working practices have enabled businesses to recruit and retain crucial staff during the recession, safeguarding jobs in the process, according to a leading human resources specialist.

The Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has suggested that government efforts to encourage more flexibility in working hours has allowed economically hit organisations to protect employment over the past two years.

Last month, the Department of Work and Pensions went further and called on employers to do more to promote flexible working and to make more positions available as part-time unless there is a sound business case why this is not possible.

Ben Willmot, senior public policy adviser at the CIPD, explained that businesses can benefit financially from making use of a flexible workforce.

He said: "We also know that employees who are more satisfied with their work-life balance are more likely to be satisfied with their job and are more likely to be effectively engaged and go the extra mile for their employer."

Last month, a report compiled by Advanced Workplace Associates suggested that flexible working practices can save companies energy as well as money.