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Flexible working

Flexible working is now a central part of how many employers attract, retain and support their workforce, while responding to changing expectations around when, where and how work gets done. As legal rights and organisational practices continue to evolve, employers need clear frameworks for managing flexible working in a way that is practical, fair, consistent and compliant.

Handled well, flexible working can improve recruitment, retention and employee engagement, while supporting more inclusive and adaptable ways of working. Handled badly, it can create inconsistency, operational friction and legal risk—particularly where requests are assessed unfairly, policies are unclear or decisions are not properly justified.

This page brings together guidance and practical resources on flexible working, covering statutory requests, hybrid and remote working, compressed hours, part‑time arrangements and implementation in practice—helping employers assess options, respond fairly and build workable approaches with confidence.

  • The future of flexible working

    Latest insights

    The future of flexible working

    Flexible working has become a critical factor in employee wellbeing, engagement and retention. As workplace expectations evolve and new legislation reshapes employer responsibilities, organisations must find the right balance between flexibility, fairness and business performance. Join Charlotte Wiseman as she explores the latest developments in flexible working and shares practical, evidence-based approaches to building sustainable,…

    Read more

Browse our full library of flexible working resources
Tools & templates

Letter rejecting employee’s appeal against refusal to grant flexible working request

Where a flexible working request has been refused, employees have the right to appeal and employers must handle …
Guides – How to

Flexible working: An HR manager’s guide

Embracing flexible working offers a strategic advantage in attracting and retaining top talent. This resource offers key guidance …
Blogs

Creating an effective hybrid working model

Creating an effective hybrid working model is more than just compiling a bunch of policies, procedures and ensuring …
Commentary and Insights

Employment Rights Bill essentials: Flexible working requests

We look at the proposed changes to the right to make a flexible working request under the Employment …
HR News

Ex-M&S and Asda boss slams working from home

Lord Stuart Rose, former boss of Asda and Marks & Spencer, has decried working from home as "not …
HR News

Government allows South Cambs four-day week to continue

The Government has decided to allow a local authority to proceed with its four-day working week arrangement after …
Podcasts

The four-day week legislation and future possibilities

Brightmine legal expert Stephen Simpson sets out the current state of the law related to compressed hours and …
Guides – How to

How to deal with a request to return from maternity leave on a part-time basis

Explore best‑practice HR resources for managing part‑time maternity return requests and promote flexible, family‑friendly workplace policies.
HR News

Two thirds of professional service firms stop advertising fully remote roles

Two in three (64%) professional service firms have stopped advertising fully remote roles, while nearly one in four …

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