Flexible Working FAQs: What UK Employers Should Understand

The Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations came into effect on 6 April 2024, bringing significant updates to the UK’s flexible working regulations.

Employees can now make flexible working requests from day one of their employment and are actively asking their employers to work more flexibly.

Because of this, we’re hearing lots of questions and concerns from business owners…

The main concerns we hear are:

• How do you get the right balance?
• How do you offer flexibility while ensuring fairness?
• How do you offer flexibility without employees taking the mick?

As an HR consultant, we prioritise acting in your business's best interests.

We’re a big fan of flexible working, because we see its positive impact on employee engagement and retention.

However, it needs to be managed in a way that works for the business too.

Here are some of the things we’d work with you on to help you get the right balance:

Flexible working policy

Develop a flexible working policy that communicates your expectations as a business, while empowering your employees to work in a way that gets the job done and suits their personal lives.

Consider implementing core hours for availability

This can provide structure for meetings, team updates and other core activities, while allowing your employees the flexibility to squeeze in a pre-work yoga session or manage caring responsibilities with time for a quick cuppa before logging on.

Set expectations

Be transparent from the outset about the level of flexibility your business can offer, including in job advertisements and on your company website. This can help to manage expectations and attract great candidates who align with your approach.

Create a culture of trust

Prioritise building a culture of trust, autonomy and support, where value is placed on output and results, rather than hours worked or location. This encourages a healthy balance between productivity and wellbeing.

Review regularly

Regularly review your flexible working policies and initiatives based on feedback and pulse survey results, performance data and the evolving needs of your business. This will ensure that your offering is fit for purpose and that everything runs smoothly.

Have questions and concerns about flexible working?

Get in touch with us for a confidential chat today.