Flexible Working

Working through the pandemic has shown us what is possible in terms of remote working. There are huge benefits all round to different forms of flexible working such as improved engagement, well-being, work/life balance and performance. It can also open up pools of untapped talent.

 

However, the CIPD have reported that 46% of UK employees did not have access to any form of flexible working in their current role and those without access to flexible working are around twice as likely to be dissatisfied in their job, compared to those who do.

 

Flexible working isn’t just 4 day weeks or working from home. There are loads of other possibilities such as zero hours contacts, term time working, job shares, annualised hours, career breaks, flexible start and finish times and compressed hours.

 

I have been lucky enough to benefit from flexible working arrangements with a number of employers in the past and have personally found that this positively impacted my engagement, productivity and sense of well-being as well as my logistical ability to be able to undertake the role.

 

Whilst there is no date yet for this right to take effect, there is nothing to stop employers adopting this practice now. Whether you adopt this now or later, you may wish to review existing policies or create new policies, and ensure you are clear on the process for employees to make a request and how and when you consider the request and respond. And as always, all this needs to be well communicated to your people.

 

As a freelance HR Professional, these are all things I can help you with. Contact me for a no obligation chat.

 

As an employer, are you already doing this? What have you found are the benefits of flexible working arrangements?

 

And as an employee, how have you benefitted form flexible working arrangements?