Inevitably, businesses are feeling the squeeze of the credit crunch. But employee panic regarding presenteeism - being seen to be in the office in order to avoid redundancy - is counter-productive to the sensitive navigation of any economic downturn (Is remote working just an idle fantasy? 16 June).

Remote working should be encouraged to keep costs to a minimum and maximise morale, and it is the job of the employer to reassure staff that this is the case.

The absence of the daily commute alone is benefiting the environment, saving money and improving staff satisfaction. To remove these benefits now of all times is ludicrous.

If there is any investment to be made this year, it should be in wise IT procurement facilitating remote working. Employers should be reassuring their staff that results are what matter in this climate - not panicked appearances in the office, which could actually fuel an already stressful environment.

Joanna Sedley-Burke, Sovereign Business Integration