Flexible Working
Flexible working encompasses various arrangements that differ from traditional 9-to-5 office work, including flexible hours, compressed weeks, and remote work.
Flexible working is an umbrella term for work arrangements that offer alternatives to the traditional fixed schedule and location. This includes flexitime (varying start and finish times), compressed hours (full-time hours in fewer days), part-time work, job sharing, annualised hours, and remote or hybrid working.
In the UK, all employees with 26 weeks' service have the legal right to request flexible working. From April 2024, this right extends to day-one employees. Employers must consider requests reasonably and can only refuse for specified business reasons.
Flexible working can improve work-life balance, reduce commuting stress, and increase productivity. However, it requires trust between employers and employees, clear communication about expectations, and sometimes creative solutions to ensure business needs are met.
Key Points
- Includes flexitime, compressed hours, part-time, and remote work
- All employees can request flexible working (from day one as of April 2024)
- Employers must consider requests reasonably
- Can improve work-life balance and productivity
- Requires clear communication and trust
Frequently Asked Questions
Can my employer refuse my flexible working request?
Yes, but only for specific business reasons such as cost, inability to meet customer demand, or impact on quality. They must explain their decision and consider alternatives you suggest.
How do I make a strong flexible working request?
Explain how the arrangement would work, address potential concerns proactively, suggest a trial period, and show how you'd maintain productivity and collaboration. Focus on mutual benefit.