However, more and more people are now working outside the conventional restraints of being based at a permanent office and working the traditional office hours of 'from 9 to 5'. Latest research shows that there are now over nine million flexible workers or 'teleworkers' in Europe - compared with 4.6 million in 1998 and just two million in 1997.
Technology brings many opportunities for more flexible and responsive ways of working.
Indeed, the UK is in the forefront of countries using modern computer and communications technologies to stay ahead by 'working smarter'. And by 2004 it is forecast that at least 10 per cent of the UK population will be teleworkers. The cost of advanced communications technology is falling by the day and many are now opting for portable computers to give them added flexibility while working on the move. They are about the size of a wallet or a paperback book and usually use handwriting recognition with a stylus, rather than a keyboard, for data entry. Battery drain is very low and they usually power up within just one or two seconds.