88 Percent of Canadian Businesses Now Offer Flexible Working

By Regus, PRNE
Sunday, March 13, 2011

DALLAS, March 14, 2011 - 88 percent of Canadian companies now offer their staff some form of
flexible working, according to a new global research report from Regus,
global leader in flexible workplace solutions. The majority of those same
companies are finding that flexible working has significant benefits,
including reduced overhead expenses, improved staff productivity and
work-life balance. Additionally, 66 percent of Canadian companies believe
flexible working costs less than fixed office working.

"Flexible working becoming the norm is truly good news for everyone
because its benefits are so significant and widespread. Beyond just the
employers and employees, families, wider society and even the environment,
experience improvements," explained Wes Lenci, Regus regional vice president
for Canada. "This is the first time, a global report, based on 17,000
businesses across 80 countries, has provided conclusive statistical evidence,
on the availability of flexible working and the value derived from associated
benefits."

More than 65 percent of businesses offering flexible working assert their
staff has significantly better work-life balance, improving satisfaction and
motivation. In addition, a third believe flexible working improves staff
productivity and helps them scale quickly to cope with rapid growth. More
than 30 percent of flexible working businesses also feel their policy helps
them access a wider talent pool, in addition to enabling them to employ staff
in more remote locations.

However, the survey uncovered that trust remains a major hurdle for many
companies offering flexible working. 45 percent of Canadian businesses only
offer this privilege to senior staff.

Lenci adds, "With reports indicating employee loyalty increases when they
are given some flexibility[1], it's disappointing to see some companies still
allow trust issues to be a hindrance in offering flexible working for all
employees. However, since a significant portion of these businesses claim to
see its advantages, even if they are not putting it into practice at the
moment, we can expect further growth in flexible working across the decade."

Methodology

More than 17,000 business respondents from the Regus global contacts
database were interviewed during February 2011. The Regus global contacts
database of more than one million business-people worldwide is highly
representative of senior managers and owners in businesses across the globe.
Respondents were asked about their views on the economic outlook and on
flexible working practices. The research was managed and administered by the
independent organisation, MarketingUK.

About Regus

Regus is the world's largest provider of workplace solutions, with
products and services ranging from fully equipped offices to professional
meeting rooms, business lounges and the world's largest network of video
communication studios. Regus enables people to work their way, whether it's
from home, on the road or from an office. Customers such as Google,
GlaxoSmithKline, and Nokia join hundreds of thousands of growing small and
medium businesses that benefit from outsourcing their office and workplace
needs to Regus, allowing them to focus on their core activities.

More than 800,000 customers a day benefit from Regus facilities spread
across a global footprint of 1,100 locations in 500 cities and 86 countries,
which allow individuals and companies to work wherever, however and whenever
they want to. Regus was founded in Brussels, Belgium in 1989, is
headquartered in Luxembourg and listed on the London Stock Exchange. For more
information please visit: www.regus.com

To download a copy of the full report please visit
www.regus.presscentre.com

    ---------------------------------

    [1] Overextended workers find relief in workspace flexibility, 10th May
        2010, Workplace Options

    Press contacts
    Julia Gaynor
    Affect Strategies
    +1-212-398-9680
    jgaynor@affectstrategies.com

Press contacts: Julia Gaynor, Affect Strategies, +1-212-398-9680, jgaynor at affectstrategies.com

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