Put a clear flexible working process in place

Flexible working is where employees work in a way that suits their needs. This could include varied start and finish times, working from home, working part-time, job sharing, term-time working or changing their place of work for all or part of the week.

Having a clear policy helps employees understand how to make a request, what information they need to provide and how the request will be considered. It also gives managers a consistent framework for handling requests fairly.

 

Why businesses need this template

Flexible working requests can affect working patterns, staffing arrangements, customer service, team availability and contractual terms.

Without a clear policy, there is a greater risk of requests being handled inconsistently, decisions being poorly explained or employees being unclear about the process.

A flexible working policy helps businesses set out:

  • who the policy applies to
  • how employees can make a request
  • what information should be included
  • how requests will be discussed and considered
  • when a request may be approved, rejected or explored further
  • how appeals will be handled

The attached template also reflects key process points, including that employees can make up to 2 flexible working requests within a 12-month period and that requests should be responded to within 2 months of receipt.

These points are also reflected in GOV.UK guidance on applying for flexible working.

 

How this template helps your organisation

A well-written flexible working policy can help employers:

  • explain how employees can make a flexible working request
  • manage requests fairly and consistently
  • set out roles and responsibilities for senior managers, line managers and employees
  • clarify what information employees should include in their application
  • support constructive conversations about working arrangements
  • document the outcome of a request clearly
  • set out when and how employees can appeal a decision

The template also includes wording on trial periods, contractual changes, possible reasons for rejecting a request and appeal outcomes