Technologies like video conferencing and instant messaging are prompting an ever-growing number of organisations to facilitate homeworking opportunities for employees.

New statistics from Intrinsic Technology Ltd (ITL) show a rising demand for such technologies during the course of 2009, with a 40 per cent increase in the quantity of firms opting to implement permanent homeworking – particularly in the call centre industry.

According to data from the converged solutions specialist, so-called "homeshoring" is not only environmentally friendly, it is a cost-effective alternative to the operational expenses associated with central business premises.

Dave Griffiths, head of ITL's unified communications business unit, points out that presence functionality and video conferencing let employers check employees' availability, while instant messaging, email and video enable workers to resolve issues quickly by accessing real-time information.

“We've also found evidence that homeshoring increases staff productivity due to increased morale," he says. "Staff turnover in several call centres has fallen from between 25 and 35 per cent to only around ten per cent when workers are based at home."

Griffiths suggests that firms which facilitate homeworking also benefit from more diverse workforces as parents, over-50s and individuals with disabilities find it more convenient than office-based employment.