Women over 50 will be the best bosses in the future because they understand the importance of flexible working, according to research from BT.

A YouGov survey of employers and employees across the UK found that women are more comfortable managing a workforce that works flexible hours, or from home. They were 50 per cent more likely than men to say they trusted their staff.

Trust was cited as the most important management skill by 38 per cent of respondents. The next most important quality was good communications skills (21 per cent) followed by good organisation (14 per cent) and the ability to motivate (12 per cent).

Younger managers are the most suspicious [probably because they are the most likely to slope off for a swift half when the boss' back is turned - Ed], as 38 per cent report not trusting flexible workers.

Those over 50 are inclined to be more indulgent, with just 25 per cent saying their staff could not be trusted to work from home.

BT people and policy director Caroline Waters said the survey highlighted the importance of softer management skills.

"The emphasis put on trust and strength of relationship between employers and employees points to the fact that women, and in particular women over 50, are the ideal management role model in this increasingly flexible business world." ®

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