Flexible working: how to create and champion a flexible culture

Flexible working is a working arrangement which gives some flexibility on how long, where, when and at what times employees work.

The flexibility can relate to: 

• working time (for example, part-time, flexitime)
• working location (such as working from home)
• the pattern of working (for example, job share)

Flexible working options are attractive to many employees. Our research found that over two thirds of mothers (68%) made a request for at least one type of flexible working practice, with most being approved.

However, over a third of the women who had their requests approved didn’t request the flexibility they wanted because they thought it would be viewed negatively or wouldn’t be approved, while over half said it led to negative consequences.

To make businesses the best they can be for pregnant women and new mothers, we’re encouraging more employers to be open and transparent about their flexible working options and to promote these during recruitment.

• where appropriate, advertise jobs as open to flexible working and promote a wide range of flexible working practices
• trial new ways of working
• be transparent and clear about the types of flexible working the organisation has considered, offered and granted
• celebrate and showcase examples where flexible working is successful