If you’re an SME employing people, you need to stay on top of HR changes. This is something you can’t afford to overlook, especially with recent changes to flexible working legislation.
Since April 2024, all employees have had the right to request flexible working from day one of employment—and they can make up to two requests per year. Now, the new employment bill will shift the goalposts, turning this right to request into a right to have approved.
But what does this mean for you?
What exactly is flexible working?
It’s a lot more than just working from home. The options are endless:
- Part-time
- Term-time
- Compressed hours
- Job share
- Flexi-time
- Staggered or shift hours
- Hybrid working
- Remote working
- Work-from-anywhere
- Annualised hours
…and many more!
The key takeaway? It’s not just about when you work, but where you work. This needs careful consideration in your business.
So, what does this “Day 1” right mean for your business?
- Yes, you can still refuse a flexible working request if there’s a valid reason. For example, if you hire a receptionist for face-to-face guest interactions, you’re not expected to let them work from home.
- Assess the roles you’re hiring for. Are they suited to 9-5 office hours, or could they be more flexible?
- Brace for more requests from your existing team members as this legislation rolls out.
My Tips for SME Businesses
- Start using flexible working discussions as part of the interview process—get ahead of potential requests
- Talk to your team about their ideal working patterns and how work could be more flexible without a rigid schedule.
- Know your non-negotiables—some of your operations may require set schedules, so be clear about what can and can’t flex.
- Review your past data—are you still working with pre-COVID schedules that no longer align with how your team works best?
There’s a lot to think about here. While the full details are still in the works, this shift is coming soon—and it’s an opportunity to modernise your business. If you’re an SME and want to make sure you’re prepared for this change, don’t wait until it’s too late.
If you’d like some practical, no-nonsense advice on navigating these upcoming changes, get in touch. Let’s make sure your business stays ahead of the curve!
Visit our website – https://wedo-hr.com/.
