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Flexible Working Legislation
Flexible working can mean a new approach to working hours or place of work, and it is beneficial to your business for many reasons. G3 has many technology solutions for you to choose from in order to implement Flexible and Mobile Working practices. Read more about remote working solutions from Avaya.
Benefits of flexible working
Business impact of flexible working
Introducing a flexible working policy can benefit everyone in your business - employers, employees and their families. Many employers believe that it makes good business sense and brings the following improvements:
- Greater cost-effectiveness and efficiency, such as savings on overheads when employees work from home or less downtime for machinery when 24-hour shifts are worked.
- Ability to attract a higher level of skills because the business is able to attract and retain a skilled and more diverse workforce. Also, recruitment costs are reduced.
- More job satisfaction and better staff morale.
- Greater continuity as staff, who might otherwise have left, are offered hours they can manage. Many employers find that a better work-life balance has a positive impact on staff retention, and on employee relations, motivation and commitment.
- Increased customer satisfaction and loyalty as a result of the above.
- Improved competitiveness, such as being able to react to changing market conditions more effectively.
Impact on your employees
The main gain for your employees from flexible working arrangements is the increased opportunity to fit other commitments and activities in with work, and make better use of their free time. This can be particularly helpful for people caring for children or other dependants, but others may find flexible working helpful too. They may feel more in control of their workloads, and manage a better balance between life and work. Employees will avoid the stress of commuting at peak times if their start and finish times are staggered or if they work from home, and many employers find that introducing flexible working arrangements reduces their sickness levels.
Impact on the customer
Flexible working hours could help your customers in many ways. You could find you are able to offer longer opening times, more experienced staff and a better overall service.
The law on flexible working
Employees with young or disabled children (under six and 18 respectively), and carers of adults, have the right to request flexible working. This must be taken seriously.
This law is designed to help the employer and employee find a mutually-agreeable solution.
Key points to note:
- Eligible employees can request a change in hours, times or location of work.
- The change will be permanent - unless agreed otherwise.
- The employee should explain in the application how the change will affect your business and how that can be accommodated.
- A set procedure must be followed in dealing with the application.