A recent change in UK legislation at the end of June extended the right to request flexible working hours to all employees. Previously, the right to flexible working hours was only available to carers, or those who look after children. According to an article in the Guardian, “Flexible working helps people balance their job with responsibilities at home, keeping more people in long-term employment and enabling companies to retain staff”.
What is flexible working?
According to Sophie Turnbull, Senior Operator Relationship Manager at Instant, flexible working allows individuals or businesses to be more agile. This usually means that employees don’t have to stick to the standard 9-5 working hours, but rather follow a schedule that suits both their needs and those of the business.
Flexible working is a concept that has become widely sought after for start-up businesses and freelancers, as well as companies looking to work in environments which allow them to collaborate and share ideas. The idea of flexibility doesn’t only refer to work hours, but also to the work environment and the way companies go about their day to day operation.
What prompted the change in legislation?
A recent BBC article suggested that the changes in legislation were a result of the UK government wanting to remove the cultural assumption that flexible working “only applies to parents or carers, and that in bringing in these changes it wants to make workplaces ‘fit for the 21st century”.
This was reaffirmed by a spokesman for the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills, who said that “We want these reforms to bring about a culture change in Britain’s workplaces. Family-friendly policies and economic growth can go hand in hand.”
Flexible working around the world
Also known as “flexitime”, flexible working exists in a number of countries.
Europe:
Many of the countries across Europe have some kind of flexible working option in place. In Germany, France, Belgium and the Netherlands, flexible working rights are available to all employees, not just those with child or care-giving responsibilities. Denmark, Finland, Germany, Norway and Sweden are the countries with the highest number of employees with flexible working schedules.
USA:
According to the US Department of Labor, flexible work schedules are a matter to be decided on between the employee and employer. Their Fair Labor Standards Act does not address this issue. Flexible working legislation is, however, making progress in the US – Vermont and San Francisco passed “Right to Request” laws last year, and Montana and Oregon are following suit. According to a report by Mercer, a global consulting firm, two thirds of US employers offer flexible working options.
Australia:
Australian employees have the right to request flexible work hours, but this option is limited to those who have childcare or caregiving responsibilities, or a disability. Certain Australian states and territories have their own amendments to the flexible working legislation.
What are the main benefits of flexible working?
As mentioned, flexible working allows employees to adjust their schedules according to their needs, e.g. work from home part time, stagger their hours to avoid rush hour traffic, or work remotely. This system results in happier, more motivated employees, who are in turn more productive and less likely to leave. According to a British Chambers of Commerce survey, 70 per cent of businesses reported an improvement in employee relations when they used flexible working.
Flexible working also permits individuals and businesses to take flexible contracts so they do not have to commit to long term agreements.
The boom in co-working environments is central too, in allowing businesses to network and share ideas, and build a good client base. The co-working concept can benefit all types of businesses, whether they are start ups and need to network, or large corporations with employees who work across the globe.
What does this mean for the work environment?
It is hoped that the extension of flexible working in the UK will discourage “presenteeism” – attending work while sick. As mentioned, employees will also be happier, more motivated and less stressed, which will lead to greater productivity.
Flexible working also helps create a more innovative, efficient workspace. According to Jo Swinson, employment relations minister, work is no longer about being physically present in one space from 9 to 5, but rather about making the best use of your time and achieving what needs to be done.
Both employers and employees need to remember the importance of planning when it comes to flexible working, and take into account important meetings, client calls and other tasks that require the employee to be physically present in the office.
What else can facilitate flexible working?
Technology is a major factor that aids flexible working. Mobiles, tablets, laptops and easy internet access mean that employees can work from anywhere, at any time. Conference suites and virtual offices are also a great help for businesses who have employees working across the world, or who are travelling for work. These options enable employees to join in for important meetings and collaborate with the rest of the team.
How does Instant help facilitate flexible working?
The co-working spaces that Instant can offer to clients are hassle free solutions that enable clients to focus on their businesses in creative, stimulating, friendly and professional environments. These include virtual offices, shared desk spaces, hot desking and desks in a co-working environment
What should businesses keep in mind when it comes to flexible working?
With this new right to request legislation, businesses are still allowed to refuse requests from employees if it is simply not feasible for them.
According to Sophie, businesses should also take into account that there are many different types of solutions to fit the flexible working concept. There are providers who are offering some great co-working environments that are suitable for all businesses and sectors. These environments are ideal for people who are innovative and want to collaborate, learn from other companies, and grow their businesses in a great surrounding.
If a co-working space sounds like it will fit your flexible working requirements, don’t hesitate to contact us today.