As part of Work Wise Week, the national initiative designed to encourage the widespread adoption of smarter working practices, Adecco is highlighting the benefits of flexible working.

The recruitment agency suggests working from home, part-time working, flexi-time and job-sharing as well as other more unusual practices such as mobile working or using compressed, staggered or annualised working hours will have measurable benefits for both the employee and employer.

Claire Darley, chief marketing officer for Adecco said: "The term ‘flexible working’ is a widely used phrase that describes any working pattern adapted to suit your needs. This flexibility can take form in a number of ways. Flexible working is a great concept! Understandably flexible working is not always possible or practical however, with some effort, a large percentage of UK businesses could benefit from incorporating some aspects of flexible working.

"As we become more eco-aware and conscious of maintaining a healthy work-life balance being more flexible with working hours will become an integral part of running an efficient and successful business. This might be something that some industries should begin to consider if they wish to stay ahead of the trends in an ever-evolving job market."