Public sector organisations could improve employee morale and boost productivity by being more receptive to requests for home working.

According to the Trade Unions Congress (TUC), nearly one in five workers would prefer to work from home, but are prevented from doing so by their bosses.

To mark National Work from Home Day, it highlighted the fact that 4.5 million additional employees would telecommute if given the chance.

The TUC said that home working can allow for better staff retention rates, while also improving motivation, boosting a firm’s reputation and reducing costs through sickness absence and travel.

“Working for home is growing in popularity but millions of staff are still unable to try it out thanks to over controlling employers,” said TUC general secretary Brendon Barber.

“Too many workers are wasting their time making journeys they don’t need to … while companies are losing out on the cost and productivity benefits of home working.”