Flexible working has become increasingly popular in the UK due to changes in the law, the growing prevalence of cloud-based technology, and the shift in working patterns caused by the Covid-19 pandemic. A recent study found that 87% of the UK’s full-time workforce are either working flexibly or are likely to do so. In particular, millennials are leading the way, with 73% of those aged 18 to 34 who work full-time doing so flexibly.
The appeal of flexible working is clear. It offers employees greater control over their work-life balance, reducing time spent commuting and providing more opportunities for leisure activities and spending time with family. However, managing a flexible working environment can be challenging.
To address these challenges, it is important for organisations to establish a clear policy on working hours and how flexible working can be implemented. Documenting the terms of flexible working and making them easily accessible to employees is also crucial.
Furthermore, defining the roles and responsibilities of each employee is important, as is ensuring that HR and managers understand their responsibilities in successfully implementing a flexible working initiative. With the right policies and procedures in place, flexible working can provide numerous benefits for both employers and employees.