Codestone

Category: Workforce mobility

Small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) that did not have sufficient workforce mobility throughout the wintry weather conditions of January failed to maintain service levels.

This is according to new research compiled by consultancy ramsac, which noted that while 60 per cent of firms had at least half of their personnel absent, only one-third of these had effective remote access procedures in place.

Managing director of the organisation Robert May said that a "huge proportion" of UK SMEs experienced staff shortages during the early part of the year.

He remarked: "Our survey suggested an average of around £13,800 [was lost] for each business that responded."

"It is essential to plan for these potential problems," Mr May explained, adding that this list could include power failures, pandemics and floods.

Remote access working was recently introduced at Severn Trent Water, V3.co.uk reported, with the utilities company stating it wants a more dynamic workforce.

Posted by Shannon Wells