Small business owners are finding the right balance between home and work life, both for themselves and their employees, thanks to an increasing awareness of the benefits of flexible working.

As broadband internet take up improves many SMEs are now in a position to allow their staff to work flexibly from home or from other locations, which in turn boosts morale, reduces absenteeism and improves productivity.

A new survey by BT Business found that 82 per cent of small and medium sized business owners in the UK feel they have better work-life balance because of improved staff mobility.

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."

A recent study by Deloitte & Touche USA reveals that employees who enjoy a good work-life balance are more likely to behave ethically in the workplace than those who do not.