Most flexible work arrangements are successful and human resource professionals predict that telecommuting and other employer-offered flex options will increase substantially during the next five years, according to a survey released today by the Society for Human Resource Management.

“Flexible work arrangements are an important part of an effective workplace and contribute to employee job satisfaction, retention and health. But workforce culture could be a barrier preventing employees from taking advantage of these arrangements,” said Evren Esen, director of SHRM’s survey programs. “The role of managers is central to the success of flexible work arrangements. Managers need to work with HR to communicate to employees what options are available and how they benefit the goals of both employees and the organization.”

The survey found three-quarters or more — 73 to 92 percent — of human resource professionals from organizations that offer flexible work say 16 types of flexible arrangements are somewhat or very successful. Flexible work arrangements range from compressed workweeks, flex time and phased retirement to job sharing, break arrangements and shift flexibility.

Of the 39 percent of respondents that offer telecommuting, 26 percent said the practice increased productivity and 32 percent said the absenteeism rates of those who telecommute decreased.

The vast majority of respondents, 83 percent, said telecommuting would be more prevalent in the next five years and 89 percent said other flexible work arrangements would be more prevalent in the next five years. However, only 39 percent said a larger portion of their workforce would be likely or very likely to telecommute in the next five years; 48 percent said a larger portion of their workforce would be likely or very likely to become eligible for flexible options in the next five years.

The survey was conducted from April through June 2014 and included 525 randomly selected human resources professionals.