Codestone

Category: Workforce Mobility

The widespread use of mobile technology and home working patterns are making the traditional nine-to-five business model increasingly outdated, according to an expert.

Martin Lyne, director of small and medium-sized enterprise (SME) marketing at T-Mobile, stated that "conventional business norms" are being challenged by the advent of flexible working, which is becoming seen as vital to success for smaller firms.

He cited data from a recent survey conducted by the mobile operator in which half of the SME leaders questioned said they no longer believe in the standard working day, while more than a third have now rejected the traditional Monday-to-Friday week.

Mr Lyne credited this changing attitude to the "constant availability" provided to modern workers by mobile devices, adding that SMEs should look to embrace these possibilities in order to keep pace.

"It's considered hugely important to be flexible enough to scale up or down, according to the situation," he explained.

Earlier this week, Swinton Home Insurance published results from a poll of 1,200 Britons, showing that more than a third expect they will need to work from home at some point in the next year.

Posted by Jamie Rees