Flexible workplace
You may be able to work from home sometimes. This might save you time and money commuting and you may be more productive away from distractions at work. To help you decide if this is worth requesting, ask yourself:
- Does your job suit working from home?
- Will you feel isolated?
- Will you find it difficult to motivate yourself?
- Does the technology at work allow you to work from home?
Before you can work at home you should check if there are any health and safety or insurance issues. You may also need to develop new communication and reporting systems.
Flexible working times
You could change the times you start and leave work. You might also be able to work a compressed week, for example four long days instead of five. Flexi-time means you can keep your full-time salary and you may also avoid travelling in the rush hour.
Before you ask about flexible working hours, ask yourself:
- How will this affect customers and work colleagues?
- Is there adequate cover when you are not at work?
Variable working hours
You might be able to work part-time. You could reduce your weekly hours or work during term-time only. You might also consider job-sharing.
You need to think about how this will affect your salary, benefits, pension and career development. You also need to consider how you will organise handover arrangements.
When you set this up you need to make sure roles and responsibilities are clear. You also need to think about the timing of meetings, such as team meetings and meetings with clients.
Further information
A local carers' centre or Citizen’s Advice Bureau may be able to give you advice about flexible working. You could also ring a telephone helpline such as Working Families (0800 013 0313) or Carers UK (0808 808 7777).
Find out more in the booklet on short-term, flexible working solutions, developed by Working Families and Help the Hospices.
