Research by Harvard Business School has concluded that companies that let workers decide where and when to do their jobs increase employee productivity, reduce staff turnover and lowered organisational costs. The US based research looked at the implementation of a "work from anywhere" policy which had benefits not just to the employer but also to employees who could move to less costly areas to live which effectively boosted their incomes and reduced emissions as staff had to drive less. A word of warning though - the research focussed on roles that were autonomous and required minimal co-ordination with co-workers. It is accepted that more research is needed to understand the implications of this way of working in more collaborative settings.
The beginning of September marked the half way point in the work and health consultation looking at how to create happier healthier workplaces and the UK Government took that opportunity to urge employers to help transform sick pay by responding to the consultation. The suggested changes include the lowest paid employees becoming eligible for SSP with small businesses being offered rebates for effectively managing employees on sick leave and helping them back to work. The Government wants to evaluate the effect of its proposals on businesses, individuals and OH professionals and is urging businesses to respond before the 7 October deadline.
