The landscape of work has shifted dramatically with the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations coming into effect on 6 April 2024. Employees now have the right to request flexible working from day one of their employment, and for business owners, this brings both opportunities and challenges.
At Starfish People HR, we see flexible working as a powerful way to boost employee engagement, retention, and wellbeing. But getting it right requires careful thought and planning to ensure it benefits the business too.
Here’s how to balance flexibility and business needs effectively:
1. Develop a Comprehensive Flexible Working Policy
Your policy is the foundation of your approach. It should clearly communicate what flexibility means for your business while empowering employees to work in ways that fit their lives. For example, flexible start times or remote working options can help employees balance work and personal responsibilities while maintaining productivity.
2. Introduce Core Hours for Structure
Flexibility doesn’t have to mean chaos. Setting core hours—such as 10 am to 2 pm—provides structure for meetings, team updates, and collaboration while allowing employees to choose when and where they work outside of those hours. This offers a balance between autonomy and organisational needs.
3. Be Transparent About Flexibility Early On
Managing expectations is key. Be upfront in job advertisements and during the onboarding process about the level of flexibility your business can offer. This helps attract candidates who align with your approach and reduces misunderstandings later.
4. Build a Culture of Trust and Accountability
Focus on output, not hours worked. A culture of trust, where employees are valued for their contributions rather than where they’re working, encourages motivation and accountability. Provide managers with training to lead with empathy and to manage performance effectively in a flexible environment.
5. Review and Adapt Policies Regularly
Flexible working isn’t a “set it and forget it” process. Regularly review your policies to ensure they remain relevant. Use feedback from employee pulse surveys, performance data, and business needs to make improvements. A flexible approach to flexibility is crucial!
Why It Matters
Flexible working isn’t just about keeping up with regulations—it’s about creating a workplace where employees feel supported, valued, and empowered. Businesses that embrace flexibility often see improvements in:
- Employee retention: Happier employees are more likely to stay.
- Productivity: Employees perform better when they can balance work and life effectively.
- Attraction of talent: Flexibility is becoming a must-have for jobseekers.
How We Can Help
At Starfish People HR, we work with businesses to develop tailored flexible working policies that align with your goals and values. Whether you’re starting from scratch or refining your current approach, we’re here to help.
Get in touch for a confidential chat about making flexible working work for you.
You can call us directly on 01243 – 967961 or email [email protected]
Please stay connected with us on our website www.starfishpeople.com for more updates, insights, and exciting developments in the world of HR!
You can also book a FREE 30-minute consultation with Helen our HR Guru in the Starfish People Virtual Meeting Room by using the link or scanning the QR code below.
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