Call us on 0844 324 5840

NEWS

Flexible Working: The Future of Employment?

flexible-working-from-home-hr-solutions

A new study by the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD) has found that only a quarter of people consider work to be central to their lives.

The study is the first such research the CIPD has undertaken since 2005, and it highlights the degree to which attitudes and approaches to work are evolving.

35% of employees surveyed stated that they would like to change their working arrangements whilst 43% stated that they would like to change their start or finish time. The results of the survey indicate clearly that the importance people place on their work and careers has shifted, with more employees wanting to make their work fit seamlessly alongside their own commitments.

These figures do not reveal a work-shy population however, but more a generation of workers that are expecting less rigidity in their day-to-day structure. Of employees surveyed, 45% stated that they take phone calls or reply to e-mails outside of work hours, whilst one-fifth work from home at least once a week. Another fifth stated that they would prefer more variety about where they work. The overall message seems to be one of ‘give and take’ between an employee and their job.

The Government passed legislation earlier this year that allowed all employees to make requests for flexible working arrangements, not just those with dependants. Employers that have since offered flexible working have generally reported a positive impact on staff retention and morale, which suggests that the approach can work.

Ksenia Zheltoukhova, a research adviser at the CIPD, told Personnel Today: “If organisations want to get the best out of their people they have to get smarter about understanding how, when and where individuals want to work. Our research provides clear evidence that many businesses are out of step with employee expectations, although by meeting employee expectations, they stand to have greater employee engagement, a more productive workforce and stronger organisational performance.”

“To achieve this though, organisations must question assumptions about people management practices and processes, and establish working solutions that are of value both to individuals and to the business.”

If you receive a formal flexible working request from an employee under the statutory scheme then it is your duty as an employer to deal with it in a reasonable manner. Arrange a meeting to discuss the request with the employee, and, having considered how the arrangement may work, formally notify the employee of your decision within three months of the date of the request.

If you have any questions about flexible working and how it may affect your business, call us on 0844 324 5840 or contact us online to speak to one of our consultants.

SHARE THIS:

Instagram

GET IN TOUCH

Got questions? Looking for advice?

RELATED RESOURCES

Explore our comprehensive library of related resources to gain valuable insights, expert tips, and helpful tools for optimising your HR practices.

01
Insightful results of annual SME Business Survey to be revealed at Your Business Expo
News
22 January 2024
02
Think tank recommends changes to sick pay
11 May 2017
03
Employers increase salaries and benefits to attract staff
8 May 2017

Strategic HR thinking whitepaper

Our latest HR whitepaper offers an in-depth analysis and strategic framework aimed at transforming Human Resources into a pivotal element of business success in the rapidly evolving corporate environment of 2024.

PARTNER REGISTRATION

Register your details below and we will contact you regarding how HR Solutions can support your organisation.

MAKE A GENERAL ENQUIRY

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

REQUEST A PROPOSAL FROM US

We’re here to assist you with any questions or enquiries you might have. Simply fill out the form below, and our dedicated team will get back to you.

BOOK YOUR PLACE

Please complete the form and one of our team will call you back to discuss your query/booking.

Request your free trial

Register your details below and we will contact you about your 30 day free trial of the HR Knowledge Base.

REGISTRATION FORM

Register your details below and we will contact you about access to the HR Knowledge Base.  As part of your approved industry membership organisation you can get access to the HR Knowledge Base, created by Business HR Solutions, which is the go-to resource for thousands of business owners and managers across the UK.

2023/2024 SME BUSINESS SURVEY

Our latest 2023/24 SME Business Survey sheds light on the intricate dynamics shaping the SME sector and unveils critical insights that can guide businesses toward sustainable success.

IF YOU WISH TO PURCHASE HR ADVICE LINE TIME, PLEASE COMPLETE THE FORM BELOW.

HR Solutions are here to help. We offer a standard hourly rate package for ad hoc HR advice which means you can pay for what you need, whenever you need it, and then quickly get advice. Our highly experienced advisors are on hand to provide you with practical employment advice to help you manage your workforce.  You can purchase HR Advice Line time now, and the time purchased will be valid for 12 months.