Everything you need to know about flexible working

Cast your memory back to 2019 before the world got turned upside down. 

How many times had you worked from home? 

For many of us this concept was a distant dream and a ‘perk’ reserved for sick days on the sofa slogging through slacks…because WFH was a lesser evil than actually taking a sick day.

Or being sent back home due to a technical failure in the office. The adult equivalent of being given a snow day. 

You may have heard rumours of someone who worked from home one day a fortnight, but they were a rare breed. 

Then, of course, everything changed. 

Confined to our bedrooms, dining tables and sofas, the world took to WFH like ducks to water. 

We showed we could be productive, innovative, change jobs, build teams, start companies and make business work entirely from the comfort of our own homes. 

Parents found increased flexibility to be with their children. Everyone got a dog and was happier for it. 

Out of the disaster that was Covid, the world of work was transformed. 

But slowly as the years have slipped by, things have started to change. And the ‘new normal’ started to look more and more like the old ways. 

Google, Apple and Twitter all made headlines in 2023 for mandatory minimum days in the office creating outcries amongst employees and onlookers. 

And it looked as though the most avidly adopted element of working flexibly could be at risk. 

Until, on the 20th July 2023 the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Bill received its Royal Assent. 

Massively increasing the scope and possibility for flexible working within the UK. 

But what does this actually mean? 

• Rather than having to wait 26 weeks (half a year) before being able to request flexible working, this will now become a day-one-right. 

• All employees will be allowed to make two flexible working requests in any 12-month period - increased from 1. 

• Employers will have to respond to these requests within a maximum of two months, reduced from three. 

• Employees will no longer need to explain how their requirements could affect their employer and how the effect might be managed. 

In short, if you’re looking to work flexibly, these changes will make it much easier for you to request that from your employer. 

Reason to celebrate? 

We think so! 

So now flexibility is firmly on the table? What can you do with it? 

We’ve spoken about working from home but there are a myriad of ways you could increase your flexibility. 

Let’s play… Flexibility Bingo! 

How many of the flexible working ways have you heard of? And do you know what they mean? 

We’ll give you the details below. 

• Part-time - As opposed to full-time, work is considered part-time when it's anything less than the average working day or week at your company. Usually, anything under 35/40 hours a week. Hello, 4-day week!

• Job share - Job shares are when two people do the same role but both agree to only work part-time. This split can be done in full days or hours. Time to build the dream team?

• Flexitime - Flexitime is when you are able to work your contracted weekly hours (normally 35-40) without needing to stick to a specific start or finish time. Bye bye, 9-5.

• Hybrid - We all know this one! Hybrid working is where you work some days in a designated location and the remaining days from home (or anywhere you like!)

• Remote - Remote working means you are not required to work from a specific space. So you can work from anywhere. Just check with your company if you want to work outside of your country of employment!

• Compressed hours - Working compressed hours means you still work the same amount of time but over a shorter period. An extra hour a day could give you every other Friday off! Want to squeeze more out of your week?

• Staggered hours - Like Flexitime, staggered hours are when you have an agreed start and finish time that is different to the 'norm'. Don't want to miss your favourite 10am Yoga class. No sweat!

• Phased retirement - There is no longer a default retirement age so from 55 individuals can begin to reduce their hours and claim part of their pension while they continue to work part-time. Win-win!

We hope this article has helped get you get clued-up on everything flexible working. 

Want to find a company with flexibility at it’s core? Take a look at our Jobs Board and filter for remote options and people-first culture. 

If flexibility sounds good but you’re still looking for more, book in chat with Flo Coaching to look at your options.

Resources 

https://www.gov.uk/government/news/millions-to-benefit-from-new-flexible-working-measures 

https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/types-of-flexible-working