flexable wroking

iammumtoone

Looking for some up to date advise how to word a flexible working request.

I have googled templates and the results bring up examples with different acts listed :eek: I could assume that the most recent once is relevant but would like clarification. I don't want to embarrass myself by stating the wrong act

Also do I really need to state the act I am applying against or can I just put "I wish to request flexible working hours"?

EDIT: Now found the right act on the gov website. My question still stands, Do I need to state the act? If I don't and my requested is refused, could I then apply again stating the act?

I have thought of one reason why my request would be good for the business, Is that enough or should I be listing more?

Thanks

Takeaway_Addict

iammumtoone wrote: »

Looking for some up to date advise how to word a flexible working request.

I have googled templates and the results bring up examples with different acts listed :eek: I could assume that the most recent once is relevant but would like clarification. I don't want to embarrass myself by stating the wrong act

Also do I really need to state the act I am applying against or can I just put "I wish to request flexible working hours"?

EDIT: Now found the right act on the gov website. My question still stands, Do I need to state the act? If I don't and my requested is refused, could I then apply again stating the act?

I have thought of one reason why my request would be good for the business, Is that enough or should I be listing more?

Thanks

I personally would not start pushing acts in front of your employers nose unless they out of hand dismiss it without consideration.

Ask for a meeting to discuss it first and then go through the benefits of the request in person.

iammumtoone

Takeaway_Addict wrote: »

I personally would not start pushing acts in front of your employers nose unless they out of hand dismiss it without consideration.

Ask for a meeting to discuss it first and then go through the benefits of the request in person.

Yes thats what I thought. The company policy is I have to put it in writing.

However I read on one site that if I word my request wrong it could be dismissed then I won't have a chance to ask again until another year.

I don't want to mess it up if I only get one chance.

How do I begin the letter to make sure I don't lose my right a statutory request if my polite/informal request fails?

agrinnall

My employer has a form to complete to request flexible working. I think this is the key section from it (lightly edited for confidentiality) that would help with an unstructured request:

I would like to apply to work a flexible working pattern that is different to my current working pattern under my right provided in law. I confirm that I meet the appropriate eligibility criteria as follows:
o I have worked continuously as an employee of xxxx for the last 26 weeks

o I have not made a request to work flexibly under this right during the last 12 months

This is followed by some guidance notes:

If you are not sure whether you meet any of the criteria, please contact the HR Department who will be happy to assist. If you are unable to meet all the above criteria then you are not eligible to make a request to work flexibly in law. This does not mean that xxxxx will not consider your request, you should discuss your request with zzzzz.

The form also includes sections to describe your current working pattern, the flexible working pattern you are requesting, when you would like it to start, the impact on your employer, and how the change can be accommodated.

elsien

Are there any negatives for the employer in your request, and if so can you think of ways to mitigate these?

Xbigman

Before you start you should check that what you are asking for is classed as flexible working. I put in a request last week to work a 3 day week, instead of 4 days. Because the shift length, start and finish times and number of weekend days worked were unchanged this was classed as a shift reduction and not flexible working. Therefore my immediate manager can approve it without reference to HR or senior management. Believe me it is far simpler and easier when the dreaded HR are not involved.
Will the management have an unnofficial chat with you to clarify everything?



Darren

Ozzuk

I did this successfully recently, my employer has a large form to fill out. I had to talk about how my team were impacted, both from a negative and positive perspective. Impact to workload, how I'd still get things done. I didn't have to say why, (optional) but I mentioned how it would help work/life balance, stress levels etc and ultimately make me more productive.

I now work a 4 day week, which for a management position is quite good - and I love it. Don't forget it could impact your pension and holiday allocation.

iammumtoone

Thanks all

I am going to take the wording suggested by agrinnall and rather than state the act just put as per my right in law, that seems a bit softer.

I dont want much of a change same hours/days just different start/finish times. I do want to request it officially as an unofficial arrangement can be forgotten, and this way they will have to look at it.

HR did say I had to state my reasons why, which I didn't think I did but its no issue for me to tell them.

I also have thought about advantages and disadvantages to the department. I just need to write it all down now without too much waffle!

Masomnia

Legally you don't have to give reasons, but it can help your case if there's a genuine reasons, especially child care or looking after an elderly relative. You should say you're doing it under your statutory right to make it official, but I think if you start quoting acts and legislation people switch off. My last job in HR I used to give guidance on these and quoting law unless it's absolutely necessary (and correct!) doesn't really help.

I'd say that the ones that were most likely to get accepted were when both employees and managers were willing to be a bit flexible to make the arrangement work. Usually an arrangement gets worked out and everyone is happy.

Good luck with it anyway!

Undervalued

Masomnia wrote: »

Legally you don't have to give reasons, but it can help your case if there's a genuine reasons, especially child care or looking after an elderly relative. You should say you're doing it under your statutory right to make it official, but I think if you start quoting acts and legislation people switch off. My last job in HR I used to give guidance on these and quoting law unless it's absolutely necessary (and correct!) doesn't really help.

I'd say that the ones that were most likely to get accepted were when both employees and managers were willing to be a bit flexible to make the arrangement work. Usually an arrangement gets worked out and everyone is happy.

Good luck with it anyway!

Exactly.

Remember that although you have the right to make the request the employer only has to consider it. They do not have to agree! So, it may well be worth suggesting how it may also benefit them or at least try to present them with a solution rather than a problem.