New research has revealed that unified communications could help firms when implementing flexible and home working in their companies.

The study, which was carried out by Vanson Bourne, has shown that 43 per cent of companies now recognise the benefits of flexible working. Firms now realise that it can increase staff productivity and even allow the company to attract a higher calibre of employee.

The report also found that 55 per cent of organisations are worried about confidentiality and security of data when it comes to remote working. This issue could be tackled, however, by utilising a hosted solution such as IP PBX. Other research recently carried out by the firm Infoentics revealed that one third of VoIP services will be hosted though business solutions like IP PBX by the year 2014.

The Vanson Bourne study was commissioned by Interactive Intelligence and Dave Paulding, from Interactive Intelligence, has stated: "The findings confirm our belief that remote working should be a part of every business's long-term strategy." He went to say: "Flexible working is good for business, good for staff and good for the environment."