A web-development and internet consultancy firm based in West Yorkshire has outlined some of the benefits its business has benefited from implementing more flexible working policies, including enabling staff members to operate from home.

Bosses at Keyclicks UK suggest that allowing their staff to work from home has been a particular advantage for employees who have recently become parents, including project manager Cath Chaplin, who recently gave birth to son Zack.

"Being able to split my hours between the office and home has enabled me to return full time yet still spend time with Zack and not miss out on the important stages of his early life," she explained.

Managing director at the company Jamie Dobson also indicated that flexible working practices help Keyclicks UK to retain staff and instill a greater sense of employee loyalty.

"All companies can do this with the right set up for very little investment, thus following many of the government’s guidelines," he said.

The Confederation of British Industry, Transport for London, BT and the Trades Union Congress are among the organisations backing the nationwide "smarter working" promotion initiative Work Wise UK.