Page 25 - BOSS Today Issue 61

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his change isn’t about forcing employers Can You Say ‘No’? Start by fostering open communication
Tinto unworkable situations but about The law gives employees the right to ask within your teams. If one person is
fostering dialogue to improve work-life for flexibility, but it doesn’t mean that working remotely while others are in the
balance and inclusivity. employers have to say ‘yes’ to every office, how do you make sure that no one
This also isn’t a new challenge – it’s a request. There are legitimate reasons to feels left out? Providing regular check-
reality that employers need to navigate turn down a proposal if it doesn’t work ins, virtual catchups, and clear goals can
effectively. But how can you ensure that for your business. For example, you might help everyone stay connected and on the
your business adapts while also balancing refuse if: same page. The law gives employees the
your operational needs? Here’s everything
you need to know about managing flexible n The change would hurt your Also, don’t forget about team leaders. right to ask for flexibility,
working requests, including when you can customer service. They’re the ones who are handling these but it doesn’t mean that
say “no” and how to make this a win-win n You can’t reassign tasks or cover requests day-to-day, so make sure that
situation for everyone. the workload they’ve got the training and support they employers have to say ‘yes’
n It would lead to significant extra costs need. Managing flexible teams is a skill to every request. There are
What is the ‘Day 1 Right’ to n The role simply isn’t suitable for flexible and, like any skill, it takes practice. legitimate reasons to turn
Flexible Working? arrangements (think shift workers/
Under the updated rules, all employees can shop floor) Inclusivity and the Bigger Picture down a proposal if it doesn’t
submit a flexible working request from One of the best things about flexible work for your business.
their first day on the job, and employers The key here is transparency. If you’re working is its potential to make your
must respond to this within two months. rejecting a request, you should clearly workplace more inclusive. Think about
Employees can now make two requests explain why and be open to discussing it - parents juggling school runs, carers
per year, giving them greater freedom alternatives. Maybe you can’t agree to looking after loved ones, people with
ADAPTING TO their needs evolve. arrangement might work. Flexibility, after difficult – flexibility makes work
to adjust their working arrangements as
a full-time remote setup, but a hybrid
disabilities who might find commuting
all, goes both ways!
accessible to all.
Flexible working could involve
How Do You Handle Requests?
This isn’t just good for employees’:
changes like:
When an employee approaches you with
it’s good for your business. A diverse
THE FUTURE n Remote working a flexible working request, the best thing workforce brings new perspectives,
you can do is to listen. Ask them why
n Flexible start and finish times
fresh ideas, and better decision-making.
they’re asking for this kind of flexibility
Plus, it shows that you’re serious about
n Compressed hours
supporting your people, which can
n Job sharing
and what they’re hoping to achieve from
n Part-time work
it. It could be about balancing childcare,
boost your company’s reputation as an
OF FLEXIBLE n Hybrid arrangements managing health needs, or even something employer of choice.
as simple as wanting to avoid a dreaded
Flexible Working Isn’t a Threat –
commute.
It’s all about giving people the chance to
Once you understand their needs,
work in a way that suits their lives – while
It’s an Opportunity
still getting the job done.
think about how it might fit into your
Yes, handling flexible working requests
WORKING Why Does it Matter? business. Could it improve productivity? might feel like creating extra admin, but
it’s worth it in the long run. By embracing
Would it help to retain a great employee?
flexibility, you’re not just ticking a legal
If you’re unsure, don’t be afraid to suggest
The short answer is that flexible working
box – you’re building a happier, more
a trial period to test the waters. Flexibility
is now a priority for most employees.
engaged, and more productive team.
Research by the CIPD found that over
doesn’t have to mean committing to
60% of workers say that flexibility helps
them manage their work-life balance, something forever. If you’re unsure how to make it work,
and over half believe it makes them more It’s Not All Smooth Sailing, start small. Offer a trial, experiment with
productive. In other words, it’s something and That’s Okay different setups, and learn as you go.
SINCE APRIL 2024, EMPLOYEES IN THE UK HAVE HAD THE RIGHT TO employees now actively seek when Adapting to flexible working isn’t always Flexibility is about finding what works
REQUEST FLEXIBLE WORKING FROM DAY ONE OF THEIR EMPLOYMENT. choosing where to work. easy. It can throw up challenges, like for your business as much as it is about
The thing is, it’s not just good for your ensuring fairness across the team or meeting your employees’ needs.
team, it’s good for your business, too. managing communication when people
Offering flexibility can make you a magnet are working across different hours or For more information and support
for top talent, reduce staff turnover, and locations. However, with a bit of effort and get in touch with HR Business Partners
even improve morale. Happy employees’ creativity, it can be solved. click here.
mean better business results.
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