The dictionary definition of “Flexible Working” is:
a situation in which an employer allows people to choose the times that they work so that they can do other things, for example spend time with their children
Dictionary
Types of Flexible Working
There are lots of different ways of working flexibly. Here are some example of types of flexible working (and what they mean).
- Job sharing
Two or more employees share the responsibilities of a full-time position, dividing the workload and schedule.
- Working from home/Remote Working
It might be possible to do some or all of the work from home or anywhere else other than the normal place of work.
- Flexible Location
Employees have the flexibility to work from different office locations or alternate between working from the office and remotely.
- Flexi-Place
Similar to remote work and flexible location, this allows employees to choose different locations to work from, such as co-working spaces or other satellite offices.
- Hybrid Working
A mix of remote and office-based working.
- Part time
Working less than full-time hours (usually by working fewer days).
- Compressed hours
Working full-time hours but over fewer days.
- Flexitime
The employee chooses when to start and end work (within agreed limits) but works certain ‘core hours’, for example 10am to 4pm every day.
- Annualised hours
The employee has to work a certain number of hours over the year but they have some flexibility about when they work. There are sometimes ‘core hours’ which the employee regularly works each week, and they work the rest of their hours flexibly or when there’s extra demand at work.
- Staggered hours
The employee has different start, finish and break times from other workers.
- Term-time hours
Employees have the option to take extended periods of unpaid leave during school holidays or other specific times, and then work additional hours during other periods.
- Phased retirement
Default retirement age has been phased out and older workers can choose when they want to retire. This means they can reduce their hours and work part time.
Flexible Options in Law
- Consultancy
- Freelance
- Interim Roles
Access the rest of the Dictionary here.
Further Reading:
- Applying for Flexible Working (from 6 April 2024 Employees will be able to request flexible working from their first day in a new job).
- How to work part time (Law Society Gazette).
- Recharge: Working Flexibly as a Consultant
