Almost half of managers in small businesses struggle to assess how remote or home workers are performing, according to a new report.

The findings from BT Business’ IT Skills for Flexible Working report also showed that 88% of small business managers have no formal training on managing home workers, even though three quarters of small and medium-sized organisations already offer some form of home working for staff.

Bill Murphy, managing director at BT Business, said that there is a worrying lack of both management and IT skills for 21st century flexible working, despite the growth in home working amongst small businesses.

“BT has always been at the forefront of flexible working. We have thousands of people working from home and our advances in unified communications for small businesses is transforming the way employees can interact and work together.”

BT Business has now launched the ‘Remote Manager’s Toolkit’, for small and medium-sized businesses in the UK, which will be published later this year. It will contain advice and examples of remote working good practice, and aims to help small businesses address the main management challenges of remote working.

“The launch of the Remote Manager’s Toolkit will ensure that small businesses don’t miss the boat when it comes to the full benefits of remote working, including a happier and more productive workforce,” added Murphy.