Here are our top 10 tips on flexible working:

▪️ Try the informal route first – always try speaking to your manager to get their thoughts on the flexible working change you are thinking of. You never know they might be happy to approve it without formally completing an application. This can save everyone time and unnecessary worry.  The change should still be followed up in writing from the employer’s side if there is an amendment to terms and conditions.

 

▪️ Don’t be afraid to discuss flexible working – Even if you don’t have the 26 weeks service to make an application legally, or you are interviewing for a new role, you never know what will happen!

 

▪️ Decide what type of flexible working would work for you –There are a lot of different working routines that come under flexible working some of which include Part time, Term time only, working from home, Job share, Compressed hours/ days, Specific lunch times, Time off in school holidays – specific weeks, making up time when child is unwell, and different hours between term time and school holidays. You can even offer to make up hours in the evening (if you can keep your eyes open!) Get creative with it!

 

▪️ Think about how it will work with your job – do you know if there are any set days when you have regular meetings? Particular days when you have to do set work e.g. reports – make it as hard as possible for your employer to reject on such reasons. If thinking of a job share offer to get involved in the process, do you know anyone else who you could make this work with.

 

▪️ Think about others’ working patterns – if you know there are already others at your work that have a particular day off, then ask for a different day. Employers will need to have sufficient cover, so by offering alterative days this shouldn’t be a reason for them to reject your request.

 

▪️ Sell the positives –think about how your new working pattern can be a benefit for the Company – they love to hear this! Egs could be reduces offices costs (hot desking when you are not in) retains staff, can cover at hours when the business might not necessarily be open, can deal with overseas clients in different time frames.

 

▪️ Ask for a trial period –If you don’t get your application approved first time ask for a trial. 6 months is the ideal then you can always negotiate it down to 3 months or less. This will give you some time to prove you can make it work and it can work for the Company.

 

▪️ Get it right the first time – you can only submit a request once in 12 months this is regardless of how many children you have, so when you do it, do it right, make sure it will work for you over the next 12 months.

 

▪️ Use a right to appeal if there is one – legally there is no right to appeal if your application is rejected. However, most company’s do offer it. Make use of it, you don’t get many rights when it comes to flexible working so if there is on there then use it.

 

▪️ Let go of guilt –Then when back at work you can feel guilty about working part time/ leaving the office on time when you have to leave to pick your little one up. You can only do what is right for you personally. So, if you want to go back to work then go back. Flexibility should let you do this and you are then spending time at home and at work. Don’t feel guilty about leaving work – remember you are being paid to work part time, so don’t fill your time away from work feeling guilt for not being there.

 

For support in making a flexible working request or appealing a rejected request, call our helpline on 0161 2229879. Information correct as of 3 March 2022.