Flexible working could change the UK - and save £32bn

Research suggests many office workers would like to relocate to areas such as Devon

UK businesses could save up to £32bn a year in transport costs if the workforce of tomorrow were encouraged to work from home, according to research commissioned by Orange.

And a move to remote working could have a big effect on the structure of firms, according to the study carried out by YouGov.

The survey found that 16 per cent of respondents would be willing to take an average of £6,900 salary cut and 42 per cent would be happy to forfeit their company car if it meant they could live and work in their ideal location.

More than a quarter (27 per cent) would forfeit the seniority of their role and a quarter (25 per cent) their future job progression to make their ideal work-life balance scenario a reality.

Robert Ainger, director of corporate marketing for Orange, said flexible working presents a significant opportunity for businesses to save money and improve employee morale.

"Setting up an employee to work from home needn’t involve significant investment, just the willingness to give them the tools they need to get the job done. Rather than waiting for the current economic climate to improve, savvy businesses will act now to reap the rewards offered by flexible working,” he said.

The survey of 3,281 UK office workers also found that a national move to remote working could have a significant effect on the location of the population.

Although 40 per cent of office workers are happy in their current work location, according to the study 39 per cent would rather live and work by the seaside, the countryside or the mountains.

The responses show a desire to move away from the UK’s traditional industrial and economic hubs such as the North East and the Midlands to more rural locations such as Devon.

The South West, currently the fifth most populous region in the UK, would be by far the most popular region in which to live, with London coming in at second place.

Nearly half (49 per cent) of office workers moved to their current location because of a job offer, according to the research, with only four per cent of workers in their current location because of its proximity to family and friends.

But given the opportunity of flexible working in a universally connected Britain, 26 per cent of people would choose a specific location because of its proximity to family and friends.

Commenting on the research, futurologist James Bellini said the economy would benefit from people being able to work from wherever they choose.

"This will generate substantial economic returns as 'e-workers' of the future will be more productive, better motivated and happier. In turn, the businesses they work for will be more adaptable, more responsive to changing market conditions and more profitable,” he said.