The world is evolving and as a result, the work-life balance of many people has changed. However, employees are still working 9 AM to 5 PM shifts from Mondays to Fridays. These traditional working times could soon be a thing of the past. More companies are offering flexible working options, which allow employees to have a working arrangement that fits their lifestyle.
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What Does Flexible Working Entail?
With flexible working, employees are able to request a working arrangement that supports their needs. This element of freedom allows them to decide how, where and when they want to work.
The different types of flexible working arrangements could include:
- Switching from full-time to part-time
- Flexible start and finish times
- Compressed hours
- Changing working hours
- Annualised hours
- Working from home
- Teleworking
- Job sharing
The Benefits of Flexible Working
Flexible working provides many benefits to both employers and employees. Employees experience a more balanced and fulfilled life when they are able to adjust their working arrangements to their personal needs. Its been proven that employees who are in control of their own time management, see a reduction in their stress levels. This will lower the risk of burnout and have a positive effect on the overall health and well-being of workers.
Employers who understand the needs of their personnel and who are willing to accommodate their work arrangements, see the productivity levels in their company rising. Employees tend to be more satisfied with their work and are motivated to contribute to the organisation’s success. The loyalty and engagement that is nurtured within the company, will not only lead to better performance but also attract new talent.
How to Manage a Flexible Working Environment?
Employees are eligible to apply for flexible working when they have been working continuously within the same company for 26 weeks. By making a statutory request, the employee, as well as the employer, needs to follow a process that is set out by law. All employees are allowed to make one request over a 12 month period.
The statutory application requires the following:
- Must be written
- Must contain a date
- Must be clear about the change in the working arrangement
- Must state the effective date
- Must outline an explanation of how this change could affect the business and how this problem could be solved
- Must mention previous flexible working requests (if applicable)
Employers have to make a decision within 3 months. However, companies are allowed to extend this time frame with the permission of the employee. If the statutory request gets approved, changes will have to be made to the terms and conditions of the contract. If the application gets denied, the employer must state valid reasons as to why flexible working could not be arranged.
Learn more about managing flexible working hours.
How to Stay Organised?
When there are more employees with a flexible working arrangement in the office, it can be rather difficult to stay organised and keep track. With the free HR software of Factorial, you can get a clear overview of who is in the office and who is working from home. The team calendar allows you to create different types of leaves and colour code them to create your own organised system. Employees are able to choose the different leaves and add them to the calendar for all to see!
Register now and discover how Factorial can improve your HR management. 📅
