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Three quarters of BT’s 100,000-strong workforce work flexibly. These flexible policies, which include home working for 11,000 staff, meet both the requirements of the business, and the family and personal needs of employees. All employees, provided it is possible operationally, can work flexibly.
The company has identified, the following benefits:
✓ productivity gains averaging 21% for employees working flexibly
✓ cost savings, including £1 billion in office costs and equipment for home workers
✓ greater customer satisfaction – BT’s customers rate the quality of service has risen by 5% since flexible working was introduced
✓ more creativity and energy because flexible working produces twice as many new ideas
✓ reduced sick leave – less than three days a year for home workers
✓ staff turnover of less than 4%
✓ a trust-based relationship with employees that is “worth its weight in gold”
✓ reduced CO2 emissions and traffic nuisance – flexible working saves 12 million litres of fuel a year.
Lisa Crowley, a PA to a BT senior director, lives with and cares for her elderly mother who has severe arthritis. She juggles successfully the demands of work and caring thanks to an understanding line manager and the chance to work occasionally from home. “It’s sometimes a struggle but the rewards are worth it,” says Lisa. “What is reassuring is that I don't feel I have to justify any absence. My manager and colleagues are aware of my situation, and they don't mind if I have to use the phone and office time for personal calls. This makes such a difference to me and my mum,”
