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Is the office getting you down?
You're not the only one dreaming of a flexible working future...

By Natasha Lomas

Published: Friday 10 August 2007

Bored at work? Feeling uninspired as you stare at the same old beige, tea-stained corner wall?

Well, you're not alone - many UK office workers, it seems, are yearning for a more flexible future.

A survey of more than 1,000 white collar workers, commissioned by mobile phone operator T-Mobile, has found many believe they would be more productive - and creative - if they could work in different locations.

Nearly half (48 per cent) of workers surveyed said a change of scene would increase their productivity levels, while almost one-third said switching location would make them more inspired.

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The research also found an appetite for working from home: 23 per cent of office workers would like to be able to sign on remotely in future.

But despite suffering office-based ennui, UK workers still have hope that things will change for the better: more than half (65 per cent) believe flexible working is set to rise - as mobile technology improves and the likes of virtual meetings become increasingly popular.

The office of the future may be a very different place indeed if the next generation of UK workers have their say. A recent survey of the attitudes of 13 to 17 year olds found they place great store on work/life balance - and many expect to be able to use web 2.0 and consumer technologies at work.