Broadband brings better work-life balance to small business owners

82% of the UK’s small business owners with broadband report a better work-life balance thanks to their internet connection, according to research from BT Business.

The research, which questioned 435 small business owners, found that a combination of broadband services and faster connection speeds have increased mobility, enabled remote access and encouraged flexible working amongst UK entrepreneurs.

Broadband is revealed as a key enabler in flexible working, with more than three quarters of businesses surveyed citing speed and flexibility as the reason for broadband uptake.

The report also shows that one third of smaller companies and almost half of sole trader businesses are starting to create a better work-life balance, by spending a greater proportion of their working hours away from the office.

Broadband gives work from home flexibility

More than 95% of people questioned had broadband in their home, allowing them the freedom to work away from the office with alternative working patterns better suited to the demands of their lifestyle and commitments than the traditional 9-5.

The research found that broadband services, such as Voice over Internet Protocol (VoIP), are also improving work-life balance. 48% of small businesses expect to be using VoIP this time next year. Mobility, including remote access and flexible working, is the reason cited for the use of internet calling services.

Reliability and value for money key in seeking best broadband deal

When buying services for their business, 37% of smaller company owners see reliability as the most important overall consideration. This is closely followed by value for money with 35% of canny small businesses, seeing this as the main driver of the decision. Only 12% of companies questioned saw cost as a primary decision factor.

Bill Murphy, managing director of BT Business, said: “Britain’s small businesses are critical to the health of the UK economy, and broadband is becoming central in helping them to thrive without compromising other aspects of their lives.

“But if your livelihood and your work-life balance can be significantly impacted by the technology you choose, then that technology has to be designed specifically for business, and that’s why we invest so much in developing services like BT Business Total Broadband.

With high speed 8Mb access, business grade security and even a free additional VoIP line included in the package, we’re helping SMEs get the most from their business communications so they can choose where and when they work and still be competitive. This report shows that SMEs understand is that when it comes to buying business services, reliability and value are paramount.”