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Broadband 'improves SME work-life balance'

Published On 19 April 2007 at 08:51:47

Broadband internet connections are helping the owners of Britain's small and medium-sized businesses (SMEs) achieve a better work-life balance, a new report suggests.

Research from BT Business found that 82 per cent of business owners reported that faster internet connections have made it easier for them to manage their life more effectively.

The report indicated that wireless broadband allowed SME owners to work more flexibly, allowing 33 per cent of bosses to spend more time working away from the office.

Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP) was also viewed by SMEs as vital for creating a more flexible working environment. Just under half (48 per cent) of the SMEs questioned expected to be using VoIP within a year.

"Britain's small businesses are critical to the health of the UK economy, and broadband is becoming central in helping them to thrive without compromising other aspects of their lives," said Bill Murphy, the managing director of BT Business.

"But if your livelihood and your work-life balance can be significantly impacted by the technology you choose, then that technology has to be designed specifically for business."

A separate report from Vanson Bourne found that UK SMEs are leading the way when it comes to using managed or hosted VoIP solutions. Already 25 per cent of small businesses say they use these types of products.

 

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