Home-based workers are happier than their office-bound counterparts, according to an analysis of research carried out by the recruitment company Kenexa.

A survey incorporating around 10,000 American workers found that those who operated from home were more satisfied with their jobs and more likely to speak highly of their employers.

However, the report from the Kenexa Research Institute (KRI) suggests that businesses need to make sure their home-based staff are effectively engaged if their skills and efforts are to be fully utilised.

"Not only are those who telecommute more engaged than those who work in an office, they are much more likely to rate both their senior managers and their immediate managers more favorably," said Jack Wiley, executive director at the KRI.

"Managers who allow and support telecommuting enjoy a boost in employee appreciation and are seen as notably more employee-centric and competent."

A survey carried out by Unum recently suggested that British workers are now less satisfied with their job than was the case a year ago.