The online working capabilities facilitated by improved broadband connections can save businesses money, it has been suggested.

According to virtual office provider Regus, the faster broadband speeds and improved network coverage now available are allowing more firms to embrace flexible working patterns.

Sande Golgart, Regional Vice-President for the firm, explained that the ability to work online from remote locations can help lower employee attrition rates.

He explained that if employees can work at home using their domestic broadband connection, there is no need for them to commute into the office – potentially helping to raise both morale and productivity levels.

Mr Golgart noted that any time spent on the train or in the car "is time lost from the office".

"Let's not forget the damaging impact terrible commutes can also have on a person's mood and, in turn, their productivity," he added.

According to a recent study conducted by media regulator Ofcom, 15 per cent of businesses in the UK are still unhappy with the broadband speeds available to them.