From June this year all employees in the UK (who’ve been employed for 6 months) now have the right to request flexible working.

Just because they can, doesn’t mean they will or that it suits every employee or business. Don’t panic – this could be great for your business.

Flexible working allows people to work in a different way:

• reduced working hours – either permanently or temporarily
• compressed hours – contracted hours in fewer (longer) days
• part-time working
• overtime – to cover peaks in demand
• working from home – full-time, part-time, occasional
• job-share
• different start/end times (flexi-time)

You can attract the right people for your business. Not everyone wants to work a standard 9-5, five days a week or your business might not need full-time staff.

You’ll have a more productive, motivated and loyal workforce when people are able to work hours that fit around their lifestyle or other commitments – e.g. childcare, carer, life changes, study etc.

Save time on travel and commuting which can be quite significant for many people.

Having a flexible working environment in your business enables you to extend your business hours outside a standard working day. Staff can choose to begin work early or choose to finish later in the day. This works well for businesses with overseas customers or providers, as they can cover a broader timezone.

Reduce overtime and overhead costs, potentially freeing up office space or reducing the need for expansion.

You build a level of trust with your employees. Get over the idea they’ll be watching daytime TV. They’re likely to get more done if they’re working flexibly from home, away from the distractions and interruptions in the office.

What you need to consider:

• additional costs involved
• reorganise, managing the existing workload
• recruiting temporary or agency staff
• skills and potential within the business
• impact on quality and performance

Before making a decision, consider the needs of your business and staff members. Then decide whether flexible working is appropriate.

Useful resources:

The Right To Request Flexible Working (ACAS Guide)
Code of Practice (ACAS Guide)
Liberating or isolating – working from home
The benefits of flexible working