Large firms are shifting away from a model of seeking a workforce concentrated in a geographical location to a more globalized approach based on remote working and flexible hours, according to a new survey.

Research by platform oDesk found half of employers have been able to increase the size of their workforce in the past year by using online workers.

In turn, those contractors carrying out the work have been enjoying the fruits of their labors, with two thirds saying their 2011 earnings will be more than they received in 2010.

And the survey revealed attitudes are changing, with 54 per cent of firms not caring where their workers are located and 71 per cent of members of staff not concerned where their employers are.

The CBI/Harvey Nash Employment Trends Survey published this week showed British employers are keen on flexible working, with 96 per cent offering this in one form or another.

Posted by Lee Thrace