Failure to adopt '3rd generation' practices.

 With nearly three quarters of SMEs (74%) now claiming to offer their employees some form of flexible working, it’s easy to see that the introduction of wireless hotspots, mobile technologies, and broadband have all had a huge impact on the way business is conducted.  Technology is now so pervasive that we can scarcely imagine our working lives without it.

A new report, the ‘IT Skills for Flexible Working’ report, researched by independent forecasting think tank The Centre for Future Studies, and backed by BT Business, for the first time introduces definitions for three different types of flexible working.

While many SMEs have successfully adopted first and second generation practices, few are using the third generation practices where technology is fully integrated to create a virtual office.

The first generation involves time flexibility – offering part time or short term working to employees, whilst the second generation involves both time and location flexibility; so in addition to offering flexi-hours to staff, technology is provided for employees to work whilst on the move.

Finally, the most sophisticated and revolutionary form of flexible working - third generation - involves the emergence of the “virtual office.” Here, employees have total location independence and are given greater autonomy in the way they manage and plan their work.  

While many SMEs have successfully adopted first and second generation practices, few SMEs are using the third generation practices where technology is fully integrated to create a virtual office.

Skills shortage

This limited application of technology is confirmed by the 62 per cent that say that they lack the appropriate IT skills and training to properly exploit their existing technology and therefore third generation flexible working.

All around us, we are witnessing the emergence of flexible hours, flexible tasks and flexible locations. The technology to support this is available to businesses of all sizes and sectors, and is delivering tangible business benefits – however many SMEs need to learn how to harness this technology more effectively.

The IT Skills for Flexible Working report also reveals that skills shortages are another common challenge faced by SMEs. Fortunately advances in training packages and management culture reflect the ways in which working patterns are changing to ensure that vital services such as security and technical back-up are easily accessible and affordable.

Without doubt the future of competitive business for SMEs relies on employers and employees having a good grasp of technology. However since 75 per cent of SMEs do not provide specific IT training for remote workers, and 88 per cent of managers have not received any training on managing remote workers and are not familiar with the IT requirements, some SMEs still have a long way to go.

Given the current skills climate, it is crucial that businesses of all sizes work together to ensure that SMEs are equipped with the correct skills so that they can start to use technology to its full potential.

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