Flexible working arrangements are increasingly recognised as valuable for employees and businesses alike. Whether it's about improving work-life balance, accommodating personal needs, or boosting productivity, crafting a well-thought-out request is crucial to success. Here are the top reasons for requesting flexible working that employers commonly accept, along with practical examples and tips for presenting your case effectively.
Jump to:
- Recent UK Employment Reforms: Changes to Flexible Working Requests
- Improving Work-Life Balance
- Childcare Responsibilities
- Health and Well-Being
- Supporting Mental Health
- Addressing Long Commutes
- Educational Commitments
- Care for Elderly Family Members
- Enhancing Productivity
- Remote Work for Focus
- Supporting Personal Development
- How to Frame Your Flexible Working Request
- Conclusion
Recent UK employment reforms: changes to flexible working requests
In October 2024, the UK Labour government introduced the Employment Rights Bill, marking a significant shift in employment legislation. This comprehensive bill aims to enhance workers’ rights and promote fair working conditions across the nation. Key provisions include:
These reforms represent a substantial advancement in UK employment law, aiming to foster a fairer and more equitable working environment for all.
Improving work-life balance
Flexible schedules can help employees better manage personal and professional responsibilities.
- Example: “I’d like to shift my work hours to 7 AM-3 PM to allow for evening family activities.”
- Tip: highlight how this can lead to increased focus and reduced stress.
Childcare responsibilities
Parents often seek flexible hours to juggle childcare needs.
Example: “I’d like to adjust my schedule to align with school drop-off and pick-up times.”
See an example template to the right:
Childcare responsibilities template
Dear [manager’s name],
I am requesting to adjust my working hours from 9 AM-5 PM to 8 AM-4 PM to better align with my childcare responsibilities. This change will allow me to maintain productivity while ensuring I can fulfill my family commitments. I am happy to discuss how I can ensure seamless team collaboration within this schedule.
Kind regards,
[Your name]
Health and well-being
Flexible working can accommodate health needs, such as managing chronic illnesses or disabilities.
- Example: “I propose a hybrid work schedule to allow for medical appointments without disrupting workflow.”
- Tip: frame it as a way to sustain consistent performance despite health challenges.
Supporting mental health
Remote or adjusted hours can alleviate workplace stress and prevent burnout.
Example: “Working from home on Fridays would help me recharge, enhancing my overall productivity.”
See an example template to the right:
Supporting mental health – template
Dear [manager’s name],
To maintain my mental well-being and optimise my performance, I propose working remotely on Fridays. This setup will ensure I remain focused and efficient throughout the week.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Addressing long commutes
Long commutes drain energy and time, making remote or hybrid models attractive.
Example:
“Reducing my commuting days to twice a week will save valuable time and improve my work output.”
Tip:
Emphasise the environmental and time-saving benefits.
Educational commitments
Pursuing further education often requires schedule flexibility.
Example: “I’d like to work 10 AM-6 PM to accommodate my morning classes.”
See an example of this kind of a flexible working request to the right:
Example:
Dear [manager’s name],
To align my work schedule with my educational commitments, I request shifting my hours to 10 AM-6 PM. This adjustment will allow me to contribute effectively to the team while pursuing my studies.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Care for elderly family members
Caring for aging relatives is a growing responsibility among employees.
- Example: “Adjusting my hours to 8 AM-4 PM will enable me to care for my elderly parent in the evenings.”
- Tip: stress the importance of flexibility in enabling continued contribution to the team.
Enhancing productivity
Flexible schedules can align with an employee’s most productive hours.
Remote work for focus
Certain roles benefit from fewer workplace distractions.
Example: “I’d like to work from home on days dedicated to deep-focus tasks like report writing.”
See an example template to the right:
Remote work for focus – template
Dear [manager’s name],
To enhance focus on strategic tasks, I propose remote working on [specific days]. This arrangement will allow me to deliver high-quality outcomes efficiently.
Best regards,
[Your name]
Supporting personal development
Flexible working can accommodate skill-building activities, such as part-time study or professional courses.
Example: “Adjusting my hours will allow me to attend evening workshops while maintaining my performance at work.”
How to frame your flexible working request
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Conclusion
By approaching your request with clarity and a collaborative mindset, you can create a compelling case for flexible working that aligns with your personal needs and the organisation’s goals.
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