Global research commissioned by Regus, the global workplace provider, interviewing more than 19,000 business people globally shows that big businesses increasingly understand the benefits of flexible working. And among the top reasons for adopting flexible working businesses report that it keeps their workforce happier.

Almost nine out of every ten respondents (89 per cent) report that flexible working leads to improved morale in their workplaces – it really is the key to happiness.

But it’s not only morale that benefits when flexible working is introduced. The bottom line does too. Fully 84 per cent of businesses taking part in the survey – up from 77 per cent two years ago- see flexible working as a way to improve productivity.

More than seven out of ten (71 per cent) of all businesses also regard flexible working as a way of saving money. A view supported by the report that if every business in the US implemented flexible work schedules, this could lead to an annual saving of $15 billion.[1]

Nirmal De Silva, County Manager at Regus Sri Lanka said,“Flexible working connects people within big businesses and connects those businesses with their clients. It saves money and makes money. It gives big business a happier workforce, a lower cost base, and more satisfied clients.” He further added, "For big businesses, this advantage comes in the increased connectivity that flexible working brings. Working flexibly, in different teams at different geographical locations, teams can quickly overcome the barriers that traditionally stop big businesses acting in an agile and responsive way.

And almost six out of ten (59 per cent) of respondents believe that flexible working gives big businesses that practice it a significant advantage over companies that do not.

Big businesses that work flexibly are discovering the ability to react more quickly than ever before to changing markets than ever before. That’s especially valuable in organizations operating internationally. s

But the benefits are not confined to big business itself. Because flexible working makes it easier to establish permanent bases that are closer to clients and customers. And that gives teams the opportunity to understand better what those clients really need and want.

Through Regus, Sri Lankan Companies can derive the benefits of flexible working. With a Network of five business centres located in premium locations such as GPD Building, Dharmapala Mawatha Colombo 07, The World Trade Centre –(Level 26 & 34, East Tower), McLarens Building, Bambalapitiya, Colombo 04, Dehiwala (Bernards Business Park) and Nawala (Lotus Building), Regus helps present organisations to work from anywhere, anytime enabling flexible working whether it is a start-up, SME, large corporate or an MNC.