More than a quarter of small and medium-sized enterprises plan to hire more staff in 2011 than they did in 2010, according to new research.
The survey found that 76% of businesses are optimistic about the coming year, with more than three quarters predicting either a more prosperous year, or the same level of success as 2010.
According to the poll of over 2,100 firms conducted by Orange, 74% of small companies are considering introducing flexible working options in 2011, citing staff efficiency as the main driver.
Martin Lyne, SME marketing director at Everything Everywhere, which runs Orange UK, said: “These results provide an interesting snapshot into SMEs’ plans for 2011, and it’s great to see that businesses are positive about next year.”
The study further discovered that small and medium-sized businesses’ priorities are changing to meet the expectations of staff and to keep ahead of competition.
Lyne added: “What is also encouraging is the overwhelming number of companies that plan to introduce flexible working. It demonstrates a strong desire to drive a more efficient business, and is also a great way to help employees strike the right work/life balance.”
This shift in priority is supported by the fact that more than half (52%) plan to spend more on information technology over the next year, singling out communications equipment as the top technology to support their business.
© Crimson Business Ltd. 2010