A new survey of small business bosses in the UK has discovered there is a good deal of enthusiasm for flexible working practices, such as allowing employees to operate from home.

The research, which was carried out by the British Chambers of Commerce (BCC) and the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD), concluded that flexible working can help small businesses improve their profitability and employee wellbeing.

Furthermore, many respondents to the "Flexible working: Good Business" poll suggested that flexible working can enhance their reputation as an employer and 38 per cent indicated they now allow staff to work from their homes.

CIPD director general Geoff Armstrong said: "Employees who feel able to balance their lives in and outside work are much more likely to go that extra mile as their part of the bargain."

"Enlightened management of people, and particularly flexible working, can make a huge contribution to business performance," he added.

The BCC is among a host of organisations backing the Work Wise UK initiative, which aims to promote flexible working practices across the country.