Introducing flexible working practices has become a strategic priority for many organisations. In an effort to understand this trend, Microsoft commissioned research by the London School of Economics, in a report called, The Future Role of Trust in Work – The Key Success Factor for Mobile Productivity. Written by Dr Carsten Sørensen, the paper explores how we manage our working lives and professional environments in the digital age.
Dr Sørensen argues that outdated management culture is causing managers to misuse technology, at times over scrutinising worker performance. This means employees are reacting to communication from employers rather than interacting with customers – ultimately damaging UK productivity.
He goes on to claim that British business needs to find new ways of managing people in the face of the changing technological world of work. In short, Dr Sørensen states, “We need to trust people [our workforce] more.” Therefore, adapting management principles and working practices to embrace a flexible working culture is the way forward if the remote workforce is to become the workforce of the future – and as industry analysis shows, this is almost certain to become the reality.
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To download your copy of the full report or attend a Microsoft webcast featuring Dr Sørensen, visit www.microsoft.com/uk/office/flexibleworking/hr
