According to one industry expert, new communications technology and its rate of growth means that more UK businesses than ever before are able to introduce flexible working.

Managing Director of ntl:Telewest Business, Stephen Benyon, claims that many companies are realising that the number of hours an employee spends in the office is no longer the main measure for productivity. He told computerweekly.com that new, faster computers, quicker broadband connections and advanced telecoms services means that virtual offices are not only increasingly popular but are increasingly undetectable by consumers.

Many companies are now opting to use virtual offices instead of corporate office leases. The advantages to a company are the prestige of a city address as well as pay-as-you-use services like telephone answering, mail forwarding and even meeting rooms for hire. More workers enjoy flexibility now and new technology like video conferencing, instant messaging and VOIP are making this possible.

In the current economic climate, companies need to cut costs and allowing workers more flexibility not only means cheaper office costs but also a happier and more productive workforce too.