Are you ready for a game-changing update in your professional life? Starting 6th April 2024, the landscape of flexible working is undergoing a significant transformation – and it’s crucial that both job seekers and current workers are in the loop!
Gone are the days of waiting 26 weeks to discuss flexible working arrangements with your employer. With the new law kicking in, from your very first day on the job, you have the power to propose changes to your work schedule.
Here’s a Recruitment Robin legal round-up to give you all the information you need on the new laws.
What kind of changes can I request?
Working Hours
Whether you’re an early bird or a night owl, the new law acknowledges that peak productivity times vary. Workers can now propose schedules that play to their strengths, paving the way for heightened efficiency and job satisfaction.
You can even request a compressed workweek, with many people choosing to work more hours over fewer days to suit their responsibilities outside of the workplace.
Places of Work
With the legal backing to request location flexibility, employees can design a work environment that suits their needs, whether it’s at home to reduce commute times or in spaces that inspire creativity.
Acas, the workplace experts, have crafted a new Code of Practice to navigate these changes smoothly, emphasising the mutual benefits of flexible working. As a job seeker or employee, understanding your rights and how to effectively communicate your flexible working requests is more important than ever.
5 Top Tips for Requesting Flexible Working
Understand Your Rights: Before initiating a conversation, familiarize yourself with the upcoming changes in employment law regarding flexible working. As of 6th April 2024, you’re entitled to request flexible working arrangements from your first day on the job. Knowing the legal backdrop will give you confidence in your request.
Prepare Your Case: Consider how flexible working will benefit both you and your employer. Are you more productive at certain times? Can you work more productively from home? Present your request in a way that highlights these mutual benefits.
Propose a Detailed Plan: Don’t just ask for flexibility; provide a concrete plan. Specify the hours you wish to work, how you’ll manage communication, and the impact on your team’s workflow. A clear proposal shows you’ve thought it through.
Be Ready to Negotiate: Your employer might have concerns or alternative suggestions. Approach the conversation with an open mind and be prepared to find a middle ground that suits both parties.
Follow Up in Writing: After discussing your request, formalise it by submitting a written application if required by your employer. This not only demonstrates professionalism but also ensures there’s a record of your request.
Adopting these strategies will not only help you present a strong case for flexible working, but also demonstrate your commitment to maintaining productivity and efficiency within the new arrangement.
Although employers are encouraged to help support these requests from their workforce, not all applications will be given the green light. Again, the law has changed to provide employees with two flexible working requests per year as opposed to one, so if you’re knocked back on your first try, have a rethink and try again a few months later.
