More UK employers should be encouraged to offer their staff home working options according to new research which has shown a series of benefits to the out-of-office practice.

The survey of 1,000 British professionals by ntl:Telewest Business found that 54 per cent of those people offered a home working option felt the move had directly led to a drop in stress levels and an increase in work productivity.

A similar amount (52 per cent) also appreciated the environmental benefits that working from home offered them, stating that the option had made them a 'greener' person by cutting down on their commute to work and meaning they ate less pre-packaged foods.

"The home working revolution is continuing to gather pace in this country. The pressures of the rat race mean that many people want to work from home permanently or occasionally," said Stephen Beynon, managing director of ntl:Telewest Business.

"As more employers make home working an option, so employees are recognising the impact that commuting and office environments have on our planet and on themselves.

"Equally, home working can be positive for employers. If your people work from home more, you're likely to have a healthier and more productive workforce, as well as lower office overheads."

Other benefits from home working included the 39 per cent of people who believed avoiding the office cut down how often they got ill, though 56 per cent did admit that they miss the social interaction on offer in the office.