In the post-pandemic world, everything about our daily routines has changed, from how we approach health and lifestyle, to how we work. Companies have had to re-evaluate the need for in-office work, seeking a balance between what works best for their business and their employees. The rise of working from home, which was limited before 2020, has now become the norm for many. Even hybrid working – splitting time between home and the office – has become a more common and accepted arrangement. Previously people had rarely even heard of the concept!
What is Flexible Working?
Flexible working refers to the various ways an employee can carry out their role while balancing personal and professional responsibilities. It allows employees to choose where, when, and how they work as long as their job gets done. Whether it’s in a huge company or a small business, flexible working arrangements can benefit both employers and employees by improving productivity and work-life balance. However, not every role can accommodate flexibility, so businesses need to assess how they can maintain high standards while offering more freedom to their staff. If this balance is achieved, it’s a win-win situation for everyone!
There are several types of flexible working arrangements, including:
- Part-time working: Employees are contracted to work fewer than full-time hours.
- Flexitime: Employees can choose their start and finish times within agreed time frames.
- Remote working: Employees are not based in an office, working mostly at home or in a co-working space.
- Hybrid working: A mix of office-based and remote working.
Benefits of Flexible Working
Flexible working offers many advantages. It can increase employee engagement, reduce absenteeism, and create a more inclusive work environment by catering to different working styles and personal commitments. The shift towards flexible working, brought onto us by the pandemic, has opened the door to new possibilities supporting employee wellbeing and business productivity.
Our offices at 2 Bankside are well-equipped to support flexible working. We have a communal meeting room that can be booked, and several tenants take on a hybrid working style, which works amazing for them. This allows employees to enjoy the benefits of both home and office work environments.
Negatives of Flexible Working
One of the main negatives of flexible working is the potential for blurred boundaries between work and personal life. When working from home, it can be challenging to fully switch off, leading to longer hours and, in some cases, burnout. The lack of face-to-face interaction can also cause feelings of disconnection from colleagues, which can impact teamwork and collaboration. For employers, managing a remote or hybrid workforce may involve added complexities, such as ensuring productivity, maintaining a strong team culture, and addressing potential security risks with sensitive data. If people choose to work in cafes or co-working spaces, this can be an issue, also having the increased risk of stolen possessions. In a secure office building, you know that your possessions and the projects you’re working on are secure. Every job and every company is different; it’s important that managers figure out what is best for their business and employees.
Is Flexible Working a Legal Requirement?
According to the government, “flexible working” refers to any working arrangement that suits an employee’s needs, such as flexible start and finish times or working from home. All employees in the UK have the legal right to request flexible working. They can ask for changes to their working hours, days, or location under what is known as a statutory application.
Changes to Flexible Working
As of 6th April 2024, new regulations will further support flexible working. Previously, employees had to wait 26 weeks before requesting a flexible arrangement, but this will change. From 6th April, employees will be able to request flexible working from their first day in a role.
Under the Flexible Working (Amendment) Regulations 2023, the key updates are:
- Employees can make two flexible working requests within a 12-month period, instead of just one.
- Employers must respond to these requests within two months, down from the current three.
- Employers who cannot accept a request must consult with the employee to explore alternatives and maintain open communication.
- Employees will no longer need to explain the potential impact of their flexible working request on the business.
- Employers must handle requests reasonably and can only refuse for one of eight specified reasons, including additional costs, difficulty reorganising work, negative effects on performance or quality, and insufficient work during the requested hours.
Flexible Workspaces at 2 Bankside
For businesses seeking an adaptable and modern workspace, 2 Bankside offers the perfect solution. With its range of offices and facilities, companies can easily support flexible working models while still remaining a close-knit team. Our building’s location is right beside the Metro Centre, with lots of transport links. This makes commuting to 2 Bankside easier for people who choose to come into the office.
We also offer virtual offices. If you are a company where remote working works best for you, we can provide a virtual office where you can have your mail sent to a professional address.
If you’re looking to lease office space that meets the demands of today’s flexible workforce, 2 Bankside could be the perfect fit. We offer a perfect work environment for a wide variety of businesses, whether being flexible or not; we want to help you thrive!