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Researching flexible working

Before you take the plunge and try out a new way of working, have a look at this plan of action and make sure you're really ready

The first thing to do is identify your needs

• Do you need more time at the beginning and/or end of each day?
• Do you need one or more days free during the week? Do they need to be next to the weekend or could they be midweek?
• Do you want to be able to spend all, some or most of the school holidays with children?
• Could you manage on a lower income, if necessary?
• Will you be able to manage the changes to your employment rights, your pension or your holiday entitlement?
• Will changing your working hours affect your status at work or your chances of promotion?
• Will your feelings of job-satisfaction be lessened if you choose to work fewer hours?
• Is this a short-term or long-term option?

Consider which of the various flexible working options will best suit you. It could be useful to talk these through with your employer. You may discover, once you take up the option, that there are unforeseen problems. It may be easier for your employer to help you make further adjustments, if they are aware of how you balanced out all the various factors. However, you may decide that it is best to talk things through with your employer only after you have a clear idea of what you want.

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