What is flexible working?

The way we work has changed (thanks, in part, to the flex' required during the pandemic), and flexible working has become a game-changer for many employees in Devon and beyond. Whether it’s balancing family life, caring for a parent or partner, pursuing hobbies, or simply avoiding the stress of a daily commute, flexible working can make your job fit around your life—not the other way around. But what exactly are your options when it comes to flexible working? Let’s break it down.

What Are Flexible Working Options?

Flexible working isn’t a one-size-fits-all approach; it’s all about finding the right fit for you and your job. Here are some of the most popular options available:

1. Remote working Also known as working from home, remote working allows you to do your job from outside the office. Remote working will save you commuting time and helps you create a workspace at home that suits your needs. Plus, with technology making it easier to stay connected, it’s becoming more and more common in the UK.
2. Hybrid working A mix of remote and office-based work. The number of days at home vs in the office will vary by employer but it can be a great solution for those that enjoy working from home but miss the social element or creativity of interacting with colleagues face-to-face.
3. Flexitime Flexitime gives you the freedom to choose your start and finish times, as long as you work a certain number of hours each week. This can be perfect if you have responsibilities like school drop-offs or just prefer to avoid the rush hour. Some companies might require you to be in the office during “core hours” (e.g., 10 am to 4 pm), but outside of that, you’re free to set your own schedule.
4. Compressed Hours If you like the idea of longer weekends, compressed hours might be the option for you. With this setup, you work your usual number of weekly hours but over fewer days. For example, you could work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days. It’s a great way to get more time off without sacrificing pay.
5. Job Sharing Job sharing involves two people splitting the responsibilities of one full-time job. It’s an option that works well if you need to reduce your hours but still want to stay in a more senior role or in a job that typically requires full-time commitment. Job sharers often overlap for part of the week to ensure a smooth handover.
6. Part-Time Working Part-time working is simply working fewer hours than a standard full-time role. This might mean working shorter days, fewer days each week, or a combination of both. Part-time roles are a common option for those balancing work with other commitments, such as childcare or studying.
7. Staggered Hours Staggered hours allow employees to start and finish their working day at different times from their colleagues. For example, one person might start work at 7 am and finish at 3 pm, while another starts at 10 am and finishes at 6 pm. This can help spread the workload and ensure coverage throughout the day, especially in customer-facing roles.
8. Annualised Hours With annualised hours, your working time is calculated on an annual basis rather than weekly. This means you might work more hours during busy periods and fewer during quieter times, with your salary spread evenly across the year. It’s an option that can offer more flexibility for both you and your employer.

Aside from these options, some employers (mostly small startups) are trialling the idea of a standardised 4-day working week. This is where you're paid a full-time salary but only work 4 days! Studies are only just coming out but we'll share as soon as there's more intel'.