There so many ways to work flexibly that the practice can be beneficial for all, according to one expert.

Sarah Edwards, business development director at Capital Network Solutions, makes clear that for companies the advantages to flexible working include improved productivity and increased staff retention.

While for many people, the chance to work from home can represent an opportunity to spend more time with family members or to establish a better work-life balance, Ms Edwards suggests.

Writing in the south-east Wales business magazine, Ms Edwards commented: "Whether it’s watching your child’s school play, avoiding the frustration of sitting in traffic when there’s a deadline to hit, or making sure a sick relative gets to a hospital appointment on time, flexible working is beneficial to us all."

A report from the Welsh women’s support organisation Chwarae Teg recently claimed that the spread of homeworking could help boost the provincial economy.