Employees who have opted for the professional flexibility of working from home need to ensure that they have the kind of technical support they are likely to need, it has been made clear.

A recent report from ABC News suggests that "with no IT guy just down the hall" every home-based worker needs to take precautions to ensure that they have the necessary equipment and the helping hand they may need to remain operational.

When it comes to successfully working from home it is important to have a reliable laptop, a separate business telephone line and a functioning internet connection, the report from the US maintains.

"The main thing is a really good broadband connection. Without a good pipe, you’re in trouble," Michael Kenellos told the news provider.

"Being able to check e-mails on a BlackBerry is very handy," he added.

Meanwhile, Work Wise UK is urging companies of all sizes in the UK to embrace flexible working and to allow their staff to operate from home.