Flexible Working - Does it work for you?

Working Families recently released the Modern Families Index and our CEO, Meeta Sahni, had a few words to say on the subject. The report outlines the strains and stresses that families are currently facing in todays market with a big factor being flexible working; less than half (only 44%) of those surveyed felt they had genuine flexible working opportunities. Flexible working is not a new concept but we have noticed that it hasn’t been fully embraced by the majority of businesses either.

Flexible working is becoming more and more important to employees as they try to regain a more satisfying work-life balance. People are making tough decisions to ensure they’re getting this balance right for them, 1 in 10 have turned down a job or a promotion due to a lack of flexibility and opportunities to maintain or improve this work-life balance, and nearly 1 in 5 deliberately stalled their careers. Even those working flexibly on a part time basis are putting in extra hours, with 30% of those contracted to work 25 hours per week actually putting in full-time hours.

With more people, both male and female, looking to work flexibly and spend more time with their family, whether this be to pick up the kids from school, go to a parent evening, or look after elderly parents, it’s time for companies to take a proper look at their flexible working options and make their policies a bit more family friendly.

If you want to be at the forefront of change, we can help! Our upcoming Employment Law Forum will be taking place next week and will be held in conjunction with Royds Withy King; this will focus on “Family Friendly Policies and Flexible Working”. Get in touch with Paige Abbs if you would like to attend!