16 Sep Being Flexible in Your Flexible Working Application

Are you considering submitting a flexible working application?  If so, please read on.  Some time ago, I took a phone call from an employee concerned about the changes in her circumstances, and she wanted to apply to work flexibly. The problem was that she didn’t want to be flexible with her manager, and I had to remind her that flexible working was – well, flexible.

Are you considering submitting a flexible working application? If so, please read on. Some time ago, I took a phone call from an employee concerned about the changes in her circumstances, and she wanted to apply to work flexibly. The problem was that she didn’t want to be flexible with her manager, and I had to remind her that flexible working was – well, flexible.

I explained that she should give her manager options to demonstrate that she was also thinking about the needs of the service. I advised that she give her manager three options:

• Think about her ideal option – the absolute best outcome.
• Number two, think about a give and take option – if I get this, I’m willing to give up that.
• The third option – I can work this pattern if I absolutely have to – but be sure that is the case because she may end up working this pattern.

I told her to write all the options down and think about them very carefully before submitting the options because if her manager agreed with any one of them, it would become her new working pattern. She calmed down and said she would think about her working patterns before proposing her options to her manager.

If you are considering submitting a flexible working application, read the policy and think carefully about your preferred working arrangements. If possible, write down at least two options. Then, take a step back and consider whether the working patterns will work for you and the service you work in; think about whether you need to make any tweaks. You may also want to speak to anyone affected by the proposed change to your working patterns.

Once you are sure about your three potential working patterns, you can submit your application and follow the process. You may also find it helpful to watch last week’s video Considering a Flexible Working Application: 10 things to Consider

Until next week, remember to be HR-Wise!