Researching flexible working

Once you're clear about your needs, think through how changing your working hours will affect your employer

• Will there be costs and/or savings?
• Will staffing levels be affected?
• How will any changes affect your fellow workers?

Does your company already have a policy on flexible working? Check your contract to see if it has provisions for flexible working. The human resources or personnel department should be able to give you details of your employer’s policy on flexible hours. They may also tell you if any of your colleagues already have a more flexible working arrangement. Depending on the circumstances, it’s a good idea to talk to these colleagues, and ask them if they have discovered any advantages or disadvantages that weren’t obvious before they began their new working pattern

For further information

• New Ways to Work, 309 Upper Street, London N1 2TY (020 7930 3355) offers information on flexible working to individuals, unions and employers
• The Home Office Partnership website
• The TUC website
• European Teleworking Online
• Parents at Work, 45 Beech Street, London EC2Y 8AD (020 7628 3565; fax: 7628 3591) offers advice, leaflets and guides, including: The Employees’ Guide to Flexible Working (practical advice on preparing a flexible working proposal and how to approach your manager) £3.99 – £3.50 to members – inc p&p