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A matter for the boss: The pressure increases - flexible working hour models

According to one of the international studies carried out by marketing research institute YouGov, 35 percent of small and middle-sized German companies feel like they are being pressured more greatly now to avail mobile and flexible work models than they were five years ago. Other than in the countries of England and France, the main reasons for this are of a financial and competitive nature.

The analysts declare that another situation emerges in France: Here, 61 percent of French firms are faced with increasing demand for more flexible work times. However, this is not due to - as is the case with the neighbouring Germans - monetary reasons, rather, it is the result of their own collective workforce. According to the analysts, 70 percent wish an "enhanced compatibility" between their work and their private lives.

Even Great Britain indicates an increased desire for more flexibility in the workplace, although - with just 21 percent - it lies far below the European average (36 percent).

What companies forget when it comes to flexible work models

The trend is driven by (among others) the increasing spread of mobile end devices that are available for both private as well as business usages. The dangers associated therewith are still mostly ignored by many companies.

The analysts state that 74 percent of small and middle-sized companies in France have no guidelines, procedures or IT systems in place to administer usage of private end devices in the company environment. A great need for such regulation likewise exists in Germany with 60 percent. In Great Britain, over half of the surveyed companies possessed no appropriate regulation between company and employee (57 percent).

Which technology best serves the interests of companies and employees

Companies that seek a homogenous solution that offers their employees the desired flexibility, should pay attention during technical implementation and select a solution that can be used across various platforms. Regardless of whether notebook or iPad, Android smartphone or iPhone, PC or Mac.

In this regard, the first choice is an online meeting solution, such as GoToMeetingTM, which guarantees an absolute secure remote connection and incorporates modern encryption technologies for information transmission. In contrast to other web conference solutions, the above solution is earmarked by its utter ease of operation and a multitude of communication options, such as, the simultaneous usage of audio-conferencing and VoIP during a session.

Moreover, GoToMeeting supports a myriad of devices, whether Mac or PC, notebook or iPhone. Employees can thereby take care of work tasks at home instead of only in the office. In this case, the cooperation between work overseers and colleagues takes place comfortably from the desk at home. Customer presentations or team meetings are likewise no problem.

Companies increase their attractiveness by offering remote workplaces, save money for business trips and enormous telephone costs thanks to VoIP and they need not worry about compromising security aspects.

A free testversion with full functionality (free-of-charge, fully functional test version) can be downloaded here by those interested or an appointment for an online live demonstration can be made by dialling the toll-free telephone number 0800 182 0591. A free app for iPhone and iPad (free-of-charge App for iPhone and iPad) is also available.

Study background behind the Accenture figures

In the framework of the study "The Consumerization of Technology" sponsored by Citrix, the marketing research company YouGov surveyed online decision-makers in a total of 700 small and middle-sized companies in Germany, France and Great Britain.