If you’re returning to work after a period away, or you have health issues or caring responsibilities, exploring flexible working opportunities may be just the thing for you.
What is flexible working?
Flexible working describes a way of working that suits an employee’s needs, as well as the employer.
As the working world modernises, employers are introducing more flexible working practices to recruit and retain the best talent.
Examples of flexible working:
- Part-time work – working fewer hours in a week
- Flexi time – choosing the pattern you work
- Hybrid working – a combination of working in your usual place of work and working from home
- Condensed or compressed hours – working your hours over fewer days
- Job-sharing – two or more employees divide a job to cover a full-time role
- Staggered shifts – employees have different start and finish times to their colleagues, to suit their circumstances
- Term time working – hours to suit working parents
- Annualised hours – hours worked over a year, often in set shifts with you deciding when to work.
How can flexible working help me?
Flexible working has many benefits. If you are looking for a job, flexible working could make it possible for you to consider different types of jobs.
If you are already in work, it can give you an improved work life balance, increased job satisfaction and help you be more productive in your role. It can also help you to better manage any caring responsibilities you may have.
If the jobs you’re applying for don’t have flexible working as part of the job description, you’re legally allowed to make an application for flexible working when you have worked for an employer for 26 weeks or more. All employees have the right to request flexible working, including if you’re a parent, carer or returning from maternity leave.
Find out more about flexible working on gov.uk (external website).