A flexible working policy (hybrid working policy) outlines the terms and conditions for employees who want to change their working hours or days, as well as their preferred working method. This document clearly describes the steps that an employee must follow in order to request a flexible working arrangement. Having a clearly-defined flexible working policy will help establish transparency with your employees, and assist you in dealing with flexible work requests in a manner that complies with the law.

Document Overview

This document clearly states who is eligible to request a flexible working arrangement, the types of arrangements that can be requested and the procedure that employees must follow when making a request. Additionally, this document also outlines procedures for considering, approving and rejecting a flexible working arrangement request from an employee. It is important to note that this policy document does not have the legally-binding qualities of a contract. If you are arranging for specific working arrangements with an employee or group of employees, you should consider creating a separate employment contract.

Use a Flexible Working Policy if:

• You are a business that is considering introducing, or has already introduced, flexible working arrangements. Employees can follow this policy when submitting a flexible working request.

What does a Flexible Working Policy provide?

• Who is eligible to submit a flexible working arrangement request

• What constitutes a ‘flexible working arrangement’

• Procedures and guidelines for employees submitting flexible working requests

• Procedures for considering, approving and refusing a flexible working request

• Procedures for monitoring and reviewing a flexible working arrangement

Further Information:

• Does your business need flexible working arrangements?

• Working From Home Versus Working Remotely: Key Differences