The Manchester Evening News pays Estelle Smith a visit
More than 10 per cent of the workforce in the north west currently work at least part of their week from home and the benefits can include increased productivity and competitiveness, reduced transport congestion and pollution, improved health, and better harmony between work and family commitments.
Estelle Smith, researcher at Warren Partners, was photographed for the article in her home office. She explained: "The nature of the job means that I will need to contact people out of office hours, so having all the necessary equipment [at home] means I’m not stuck in the office late at night. Also, having such flexibility allows me to attend events like my daughter’s sports day, or to pick her up from school, and really takes the pressure off balancing work and the family.
"Working from home can boost an employee’s productivity. All those who take advantage of it at Warren Partners agree that they get a lot more done when they are at home, because there is less distraction. It can be the small things like going to make a cup of tea. When I’m in the office, I can end up making 10 cups at one time, but at home it’s just the one for me.
"It is a great perk for workers, but I also believe that employers can really benefit from allowing staff to work from home."
17 May 2007
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