{"id":10663,"date":"2025-03-13T03:38:49","date_gmt":"2025-03-13T03:38:49","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/?post_type=resources&p=10663"},"modified":"2026-01-23T15:16:16","modified_gmt":"2026-01-23T15:16:16","slug":"flexible-working-guide","status":"publish","type":"resources","link":"https:\/\/www.brightmine.com\/uk\/resources\/hr-strategy\/flexible-working\/flexible-working-guide\/","title":{"rendered":"Flexible working: An HR manager’s guide"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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by Brightmine<\/strong> | Reviewed by Robert Shore<\/strong><\/strong>, HR Markets Insights Editor at Brightmine<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

Over the years, flexible working has gained significant traction among employees and employers alike. Far from being a passing trend, flexible working represents a fundamental rethinking of work-life balance, operational efficiency, and employee satisfaction.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

For employers, embracing flexible working offers a strategic advantage in attracting and retaining top talent<\/a>. However, getting it right is the ultimate make or break to its success.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

What is the meaning of flexible working?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flexible working encompasses any arrangement that deviates from the traditional 9-to-5, office-based model, granting employees greater control over their working environment, hours, and location.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

While not all forms of flexible working are suitable for every role or organisation, employers can explore options suitable for their workforce’s unique needs. These working arrangements typically include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n

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Job sharing<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Where two individuals share the responsibilities of a single full-time position, each working part-time hours. This arrangement allows businesses to leverage diverse skill sets while offering employees a reduced number of working hours or days, enabling them to balance professional and personal responsibilities more effectively.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Remote working<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Performing job duties from locations other than the traditional workplace, including working from home. This approach has become increasingly popular as advancements in technology enable seamless communication and collaboration from virtually anywhere. Remote working can also reduce commuting costs and time, enhancing work-life balance.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Hybrid working<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

A combination of remote and on-site work, allowing employees to split their time between different locations. Hybrid working provides flexibility while maintaining in-person collaboration and team bonding opportunities, making it an ideal model for modern workplaces.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Part-time<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Working fewer hours or days than the standard full-time schedule. Offering part-time work is particularly beneficial for employees managing personal commitments, such as caregiving or further education, alongside their professional careers.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Compressed hours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Completing the standard full-time hours over a reduced number of working days, such as a four-day workweek or a nine-day fortnight. Compressed hours arrangements may boost productivity while granting employees longer periods of uninterrupted personal time, promoting better overall wellbeing.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Flexitime<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Employees choose their start and finish times within agreed-upon core hours, ensuring flexibility without compromising team collaboration. Choosing to work flexitime allows employees to tailor their schedules to match their peak productivity hours.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Staggered hours<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Employees have varied start, finish, and break times, ensuring smooth operations across extended hours. This approach is often used in industries requiring continuous coverage or shift work.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Phased retirement<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Gradually reducing the number of working hours as employees approach retirement, allowing for a smoother transition while retaining valuable expertise within the organisation. Phased retirement can also help organisations manage workforce planning more effectively.<\/p>\n<\/div>\n\n\n\n

What are some typical reasons for flexible working?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Flexible working arrangements are sought by employees for a variety of personal and professional reasons. These motivations include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n