What is Flexible Working?

• Working arrangements where employees have options in terms of working time, working location and the pattern of working

Examples of Flexible Working Options:

• Part-time working

• Term-time working

• Working from home

• Flexitime

• Career breaks

• Job sharing

• Annual hours contracts

• Mobile working

• Shift swapping

Of the options listed above, by far the most popular in the UK is part-time working. Job sharing, flexitime and working from home are also increasingly popular

The ‘Gig Economy’ is Encouraging Greater Use of Flexible Working:

• Significant rise in the extent of self-employment

• Firms in the Gig Economy have a more flexible operation which is better able to match work with consumer demand

• Do flexible working options help businesses attract and retain employees compared with self-employment?

Main Benefits of Flexible Working (for a business):

• Cost- Potentially significant savings on fixed costs (e.g less space) and lower recruitment and training (if labour retention improves)

• Higher job satisfaction and employee morale if employees who want to work flexibly are allowed to do so

• May attract more applicants for available jobs

• Better customer service- e.g. ability to offer 24/7 services

Drawbacks of Flexible Working (for a business):

• More complex to manage

• Investment required in technology and other support to make flexible working effective

• Potential impact on motivation from greater remote working (e.g. increased isolation, work/life balance)

• Loss of capacity/capability if key employees reduce their hours