Welsh employers ought to be allowing their workforce to operate from home and with a greater degree of flexibility, it has been claimed.

The Chwarae Teg organisation, which aims to support the role of Welsh women in the provincial economy, suggests that increasing employee flexibility makes good financial sense in the 21st century business environment.

A recent report from the group, dubbed Better Balance Better Business, made the case that giving staff a better work-life balance boosts economic performance and creates healthier workforce.

Marcella Maxwell, Chwarae Teg’s chief executive, said: "Wales is at a pivotal point where awareness of the benefits of flexible working among employers across all sectors is at an all time high.

"It’s vital that we don’t waste this opportunity and find ways to support them in adopting smarter working methods, and encourage them to do so based on sound business principles rather than compliance for compliance sake."

Chwarae Teg has been working with the Welsh government in a combined effort to encourage the trend towards flexible working practices, including home-based operating.