Life as a working parent can be a constant juggle between work and family commitments. Striking the right balance isn’t always easy, but with the right approach to flexible work, it is possible to achieve a better work-life balance. As a working mother, I know firsthand how challenging it can be to manage flexible working requests while ensuring productivity remains high.
Understanding Flexible Work Arrangements
Flexible work offers parents the ability to work in a way that suits their personal lives while still meeting the needs of their employer. Many employers now recognise the benefits of flexible working, including increased job satisfaction and improved employee well-being. Different types of flexible working arrangements can include:
- Remote work – Working from home for part or all of the week
- Hybrid working – A mix of office-based and remote work
- Compressed hours – Working full-time hours over fewer days
- Flexitime – Choosing start and finish work times within an agreed framework
- Part-time work – Working less than full-time hours
Requesting Flexible Working: The Process
If you’re considering a flexible working request, it’s important to understand the legal rights surrounding it. Employees have the right to make a statutory request for flexible work, and employers must consider each request carefully. The Acas Code of Practice outlines the process for requesting flexible working, which includes:
- Submitting a formal request for flexible working in writing.
- The employer reviewing the request and discussing any potential work arrangements.
- A decision being made within three months unless an extension is agreed.
- The employee being informed of the outcome, including any business reasons for refusal.
Benefits of Flexible Work for Parents
There are numerous benefits of flexible working for parents who need to balance work and family responsibilities, including:
- More time with their children
- Reduced childcare costs
- Less commuting time
- Better work-life balance
- Improved productivity and focus on work
By implementing flexible working, organisations can support staff to work in a way that aligns with their family needs while ensuring business productivity remains high.
Challenges of Working Parents and How to Overcome Them
Balancing work and family life can be a challenge, especially when work schedules don’t align with school runs or family responsibilities. Some of the most common challenges include:
- Lack of flexibility – Not all employers offer flexible hours.
- Managing flexible working requests – Some parents struggle with the process.
- Juggling work and family needs – The constant shift between responsibilities.
To overcome these challenges, working parents should communicate their needs clearly to their employer and explore different types of flexible working arrangements that best suit their situation.
Implementing Flexible Work Successfully
For flexible work to be successful, both employees and employers need to work together. Employers may require a clear plan outlining how work will be managed within flexible working policies. A contract of employment may need to be updated to reflect new working patterns, such as working four days instead of five with longer hours over fewer days.
Final Thoughts: A Better Way of Working
For parents who need a better work-life balance, flexible work offers an opportunity to work in a way that fits around family commitments. Employers must consider flexible working requests fairly, ensuring that employees can balance work and home life effectively. By offering flexible working, businesses can help employees work in a way that promotes productivity, job satisfaction, and overall well-being.
If you’re thinking about requesting flexible working, take the time to understand your rights, communicate clearly with your employer, and find a working arrangement that supports both your personal and professional life.