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Last updated: 24 April 2025
This article will explore the advantages and disadvantages of flexible working in detail to help you make the best decision for your career.
What is flexible working?
Flexible working is an arrangement where employees can choose their own working hours and shift patterns. It can be done in several ways, such as working from home, part-time, or compressed hours. Alternative work arrangements deviate from the traditional 9-to-5 work model. Flexible working is becoming increasingly popular in today’s workforce, as it offers several benefits for employees and employers.
Flexible working has many benefits, such as increased productivity, lower absence levels, and improved work-life balance. It can also help attract and retain talent, as more and more people are looking for flexible workplaces.
If you’re thinking of introducing flexible working into your business, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, you’ll need to assess whether the business can support it. You’ll also need to address flexible work schedules when considering flexible working and put together guidelines and policies to ensure everyone is on the same page. Finally, you’ll need to ensure that you have the right technology.
Useful Reads:
The 4-day Work Week The Pros and Cons and How to Implement
Teleworking: A Comprehensive Guide to Remote Work Success
Flexible work arrangement examples
Flexible work arrangements, including flexible schedules, give employees more control over when, where, and how they work. Here are some common examples:
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Telecommuting/Remote Work: This arrangement allows employees to work from home or another remote location, rather than commuting to an office.
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Hybrid Work: This model combines telecommuting and in-office work, allowing employees to split their time between the two.
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Flextime: This arrangement gives employees flexibility in setting their start and end times, typically within a specified range of core hours.
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Compressed Workweek: This arrangement allows employees to work fewer days per week while maintaining full-time hours. For instance, they might work 40 hours over four days instead of five.
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Job Sharing: This arrangement involves two or more employees sharing the responsibilities of a single full-time position. This allows each person to work part-time while still covering the full workload.
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Annualized Hours: This arrangement focuses on the total hours worked over a year rather than a set schedule. Employees can vary their hours based on workload fluctuations.
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Phased Retirement: This arrangement allows older employees to gradually reduce their work hours or responsibilities before fully retiring.
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Unlimited Time Off: This policy provides employees with the flexibility to take time off as needed, without having to track individual days or hours.
Handling flexible working arrangement requests asking for flexible working?
The flexibility of working arrangements is a statutory right for some employees. However, anyone can request flexible working arrangements from their employer.
You must:
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Employees only, not agency workers, except those returning from parental leave or in military service
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Worked continuously for 26 weeks for your employer before applying
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The last 12 months have not seen another application for the right to work flexibly
The law requires your employer to consider your application seriously and to reject it only for reasonable business reasons. It is your right to request flexible working, not your right to receive it. A legitimate business ground can allow an employer to deny your application in a reasonable manner.
Employees who do not have the legal right to request flexible working are often willing to consider flexible working requests submitted by their employer.
How has the increase in flexible work arrangements affected workers?
The increase in flexible work arrangements has had a significant impact on workers, both positive and negative.
Positive Impacts:
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Flexible work arrangements allow employees to better balance their work and personal lives. This can lead to reduced stress, increased job satisfaction, and improved overall well-being.
- Increased Productivity: Studies have shown that flexible work arrangements can lead to increased productivity. Employees can work during their most productive hours and avoid distractions, leading to higher output.
- Reduced Absenteeism: Flexible work arrangements can help reduce absenteeism by allowing employees to work from home when they are sick or need to care for family members.
- Greater Job Satisfaction: Employees who have flexible work arrangements often report higher levels of job satisfaction. This can lead to increased motivation and engagement.
- Reduced Commute Time and Costs: Remote and hybrid work arrangements can save employees time and money on commuting.
- Access to a Wider Talent Pool: Employers can recruit from a wider pool of talent, including people with disabilities or those who live in remote areas.
Negative Impacts:
- Social Isolation: Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and loneliness, as employees may miss out on social interactions with colleagues.
- Blurred Work-Life Boundaries: Flexible work arrangements can make it difficult to separate work from personal life, leading to work-life balance issues.
- Increased Workload: In some cases, flexible work arrangements can lead to increased workloads, as employees may feel pressured to be available at all times.
- Technical Difficulties: Remote work can be challenging for employees who lack the necessary technology or who have poor internet connectivity.
- Potential for Bias: There is a risk of bias against remote workers, particularly in performance evaluations and promotions.
- Reduced Opportunities for Informal Learning: Remote work can limit opportunities for informal learning and networking.
Overall, the impact of flexible work arrangements on workers is complex and depends on a variety of factors, including the specific type of arrangement, the employee's personality and work style, and the employer's support for remote work. While flexible work arrangements offer many benefits, it is important to address the potential challenges to ensure a positive experience for all employees.
Flexible working request process
The flexible working request process typically involves the following steps:
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Employee Initiates the Request: The employee submits a written request to their employer, outlining the desired flexible working arrangement. This can be done through a formal application form or a letter. The request should clearly state the specific type of flexibility sought (e.g., flexitime, compressed hours, remote work, job sharing) and the proposed start date.
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Employer Acknowledges the Request: Within two weeks of receiving the request, the employer must acknowledge receipt in writing. This acknowledgment can be a simple letter or email confirming that the request has been received and is being considered
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Employer Consults with the Employee: The employer should consult with the employee to discuss the request in more detail. This consultation may involve a face-to-face meeting, a phone call, or a video conference. During this consultation, the employer may ask questions to better understand the employee's needs and the potential impact of the requested arrangement on the business.
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Employer Makes a Decision: The employer has two months to make a decision on the request. This decision should be made in writing and communicated to the employee. The employer must provide a reason for their decision, whether it is to accept or reject the request.
Employer's Reasons for Refusal: If the employer decides to reject the request, they must provide one or more of the following statutory reasons:
- The burden of additional costs.
- Adverse effect on ability to meet customer demand.
- Adverse effect on quality of work or performance.
- Adverse effect on performance of other employees.
- Insufficient work for the employee.
- Planned structural changes to the workforce.
- Inability to reorganize work among existing staff.
- Other detrimental effect on the employer's business.
Employee's Right to Appeal: If the employee is unhappy with the employer's decision, they may have the right to appeal the decision. The appeal process should be outlined in the employer's flexible working policy.
It is important to note that the specific details of the flexible working request process may vary depending on the employer's policies and procedures. However, the general steps outlined above are typically followed in most cases.
Flexible work arrangements best practices
Here are some best practices for implementing flexible work arrangements:
Clear Communication and Expectations
- Define the arrangement: Clearly outline the specific type of flexible work arrangement being offered (e.g., remote work, flextime, compressed workweek).
- Set expectations: Clearly communicate expectations regarding work hours, deadlines, and communication protocols.
- Establish clear communication channels: Ensure that employees have access to effective communication tools and that they know how to reach their colleagues and managers.
- Regular check-ins: Schedule regular check-ins with employees to discuss their workload, any challenges they may be facing, and to provide feedback and support.
Technology and Infrastructure
- Provide necessary tools: Equip employees with the necessary technology and tools to work effectively from remote locations.
- Ensure reliable connectivity: Invest in reliable internet connectivity to minimize disruptions.
- Implement collaboration tools: Use collaboration tools like video conferencing and project management software to facilitate teamwork and communication.
- Provide cybersecurity training: Train employees on cybersecurity best practices to protect sensitive company information.
Managerial Support
- Train managers: Provide managers with training on how to manage remote and hybrid teams effectively.
- Encourage trust and autonomy: Trust employees to manage their time and workload effectively.
- Offer support and guidance: Be available to offer support and guidance to employees as needed.
- Recognize and reward performance: Recognize and reward employees for their contributions, regardless of their work location.
Employee Well-being
- Promote work-life balance: Encourage employees to take breaks and disconnect from work during off-hours.
- Address potential isolation: Organize virtual social events and team-building activities to foster a sense of community.
- Provide mental health resources: Offer mental health resources and support to help employees manage stress and anxiety.
- Ergonomic considerations: Ensure that employees have ergonomic workstations at home to prevent physical discomfort.
Flexibility and Adaptability
- Be open to change: Be willing to adjust the flexible work arrangement as needed to accommodate changing business needs and employee preferences.
- Regularly review the policy: Regularly review and update the flexible work policy to ensure it remains effective and aligns with evolving business needs.
- Encourage feedback: Encourage employees to provide feedback on the flexible work arrangement and how it can be improved.
By implementing these best practices, you can create a successful flexible work arrangement that benefits both employees and the organization.
Disclaimer
Please note that the information on our website is intended for general informational purposes and not as binding advice. The information on our website cannot be considered a substitute for legal and binding advice for any specific situation. While we strive to provide up-to-date and accurate information, we do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness and timeliness of the information on our website for any purpose. We are not liable for any damage or loss arising from the use of the information on our website.
