Many young workers would shun a pay rise in favour of more control over where and how they work, according to a new survey.

Nearly half of under 25s say that being able to determine their own working practices is more appealing than a higher salary offer from a rival company. Research from Microsoft Windows Mobile has found that nine out of ten people believe that flexible and mobile working will become common in the future, while nearly two thirds say that working away from the office would make their work easier and more enjoyable.

The Future Laboratory predicts that by 2012 more than 5.5 million workers will work away from their office desks, something they see as a right rather than a privilege.

As mobile technology improves, and internet hot-spots increase, Microsoft believes that workers could even be connected to the office while they are sunbathing on the beach.

The company says that its research, which found that 50 per cent of people work longer hours than they did five years ago, means that mobile working will become even more essential.

Almost one third of those questioned also predict their hours will increase again over the next five years.

Alex Reeve, of Microsoft Windows Mobile, said: “Work is not a place you go, it is a thing you do.

“We are looking to support both individuals and businesses as they transcend this tricky phase from office-bound working into the new generation of mobile working.

“It is all about being liberated, having more control over your day and, ultimately, more freedom in your life.”

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