If you would like more flexible working arrangements, there is a way you can request it.
You have the right to request flexible working (Image: Getty)
If you want to make some changes to your work life, you might be surprised to know that there are actually legal rights you can cite to make your home and work balance easier. Over the COVID-19 pandemic, many workplaces across the world made adjustments to ensure that employees could continue their duties from home.
However, six years on, now many workplaces are asking that employees return to work – if you would rather stay at home though, there are some things you can use to strengthen your claim. Under the Employment Rights Act 1996, employees have a right to request flexible working, which can include asking to change where they work.
You can submit two requests every 12-month period, which could include working from home (Image: Getty)
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What can I ask for?
Since 2024, employees across England, Scotland and Wales have been able to request flexibility in work from their first day of employment.
You can submit two requests every 12-month period, which could include flexible hours, working from home, or otherwise changing where you work from.
Can my boss refuse?
Simply asking for flexibility does not mean it will be approved – however employers must reasonably consider all requests and can only refuse on business grounds.
Deputy Prime Minister Louise Haigh has also announced the Government’s intention to make it easier for employees to request, and more challenging for employers to deny requests.
Speaking at the Trade Union Congress in September, Haigh said: “Today I can announce that we will strengthen the right to flexible working. If an employer wants to turn down a request they will have to sit down with their employee, properly consider it and explain why.”
At the moment there are several different reasons why bosses might refuse – but the new rules would require them to sit down with employees and explain.
What are the reasons I can be denied?
There are eight different reasons your request could be denied, spanning from additional costs, inability to redistribute work amongst staff, detrimental impact on performance, inability to meet customer demand.
- The burden of additional costs
- Detrimental effect on meeting customer demand
- Unable to reorganise work amongst existing staff
- Inability to recruit extra staff
- Detrimental impact on quality
- Detrimental impact on performance
- Insufficient work during planned periods
- Planned structural changes
If you are requesting changes, make sure you know how to speak to your boss (Image: Getty)
How do I ask for flexible work?
If you want to ask for some changes to either where you are working from or the hours you are working, it’s important to make sure you’re giving yourself the best chance of success.
According to Susan Nudelman, strategic partnerships manager at HelloRetriever.com, there are a few ways you can make it more likely that your request will be approved. She said being specific is key.
Susan explained: “Don’t simply say you’d like to work from home more often. Set out exactly what you’re proposing – for example, working from home every Monday and Friday and attending the office for the remaining three days.
“You should make clear in writing that you’re making a statutory flexible working request and state when you’d like the new arrangement to begin.”
Using evidence that you can successfully work from home can also be useful. Point to targets you’ve hit, or positive performance reviews that occurred whilst you were working from home to strengthen your claim.
Employers will have to consider your requests (Image: Getty)
Susan also recommends you try and see things from your employer’s point of view. She explained: “Think about the objections your employer might have before they raise them and explain how you would deal with them.
“If face-to-face meetings are important, for example, you could offer to attend those in person. If availability is likely to be an issue, explain how you’ll remain contactable.”
She added: “The important distinction is that the law gives you a right to request flexible working, not an automatic right to work from home.
“But if working from home is something you want, knowing there is a formal process and putting forward a well-thought-out proposal can give you the strongest possible case.”