Citrix urges businesses: dont forget the infrastructure in the flexible working revolution

Citrix Systems, Inc. (Nasdaq: CTXS), the global leader in access infrastructure solutions, is urging businesses not to forget about the underlying infrastructure when it comes to deploying flexible working policies.

Just over one year on from the Governments introduction of legislation encouraging all businesses to offer flexible working opportunities, the access specialist is reminding the UK business community that any such policy has to be based on a well supported infrastructure. The company is urging HR departments to work in conjunction with IT in order to deploy a strategy that actually benefits workers, rather than just puts a tick in the legislative box.

To help companies achieve this, Citrix is unveiling plans for Flexible Working Week. Running for a week from November 8, 2004, announcements during the week will encourage businesses to engage with flexible working in a strategic way to benefit the business.

Were committed to making the flexible working revolution a reality for UK businesses, said Lewis Gee, UK managing director at Citrix, but we need all departments of the business to engage in order to really make this work. Its easy to pay lip service to the legislation, but if companies dont actively develop a strategy for remote working, its very difficult for employees to actually take advantage of it.

Its in the best interest of all parties for this to happen, Gee continued. For the business, a mobile work force can reduce overheads, as well as being more productive during time traditionally lost when access to the corporate network is not available. For the individual, an improved work / life balance, often resulting in more efficient working, also contributes significantly to the business.

Were concerned that the mobile working revolution will fail if the reality of the situation falls far short of the hype. Gee concluded. Its a worry that IT teams just wont be able to keep pace with building the networks and systems required to make it work. Now is the time for a reality check - companies should be honest about their existing policies, and be prepared to invest.