On July 22, 2023, the UK’s flexible work law went into effect. All employees now have the legal right to seek flexible scheduling from the moment they start working for a company. Before, workers had to wait 26 weeks before submitting a request.
Employees are now able to submit two requests annually rather than just one under the new law. Employers now have two months instead of three to reply to inquiries. Moreover, companies can no longer turn down requests without a valid excuse.
These modifications are a significant win for workers who seek more freedom in their employment arrangements. As soon as they begin a new employment, they will be able to seek flexible working, and they will have a greater chance of having their requests approved.
Benefits of UK’s Flexible Work Law for Employers and Employees:
Here are some of the benefits of flexible working for both employees and employers:
- Employees:
- Improved work-life balance
- Reduced stress levels
- Increased productivity
- Increased job satisfaction
- Employers:
- Increased employee retention
- Reduced absenteeism
- Improved employee morale
- Increased productivity
The UK’s Flexible Work Law benefits employers as well. It can boost staff morale and productivity and help them draw in and keep top talent.
There are a few things you should bear in mind if you are an employee who is interested in asking for flexible working hours. You should be ready to explain how flexible working would be advantageous to both you and your company. Additionally, you should be prepared to offer some proof to back up your demand. You could, for instance, disclose details about your child care arrangements or your medical requirements.
A Win-Win for Employers and Employees in the UK?
If you are an employer, you should be willing to take your employees’ requests for flexible scheduling into account. Working from home can benefit both firms and people. It may aid in luring and keeping talent.
For workers in the UK, the new flexible work regulation represents a significant advancement. It allows workers greater choice over their work schedules and may aid in improving their work-life balance. I urge both employers and employees to research the new law and think about how it might apply to them.
Global Similar Laws for Flexible Work
While UK just enacted and confirmed Flexible Work law, other similar laws exist in the world some of which we have noted down below:
- Germany: German Law stipulates that after six months of employment, employees are allowed to propose modifications to their working hours, place of employment, and distribution. The employer is required to give consideration to this request and may only reject it for valid operational reasons.
- Netherlands: The “Work and Security Act” of the Netherlands gives employees the right to ask for changes to their employment agreements, such as adjustments to working hours and location, after they have been employed for at least six months. Unless there are substantial business or service reasons not to, the employer must approve.
- New Zealand: Under New Zealand law, an employee has the right to request a change in their working conditions at any time, including adjustments to their hours, days, or place of employment. Employers must take the request into account and respond within a month. Ain’t that sweet!
- Australia: Certain employees in Australia have the legal right to ask for flexible working arrangements, such as part-time work, flexible hours, or working from home.
- Belgium: The “Law on Feasible and Manageable Work” enables workers to request flexible working arrangements, such as shift changes, location changes, and part-time work. Only legitimate business concerns may be used by the employer to reject the request. reasons.
- Spain: Similar to UK’s Flexible Work Law, changes to the Spanish labor laws in 2020 gave employees the legal right to “distance work” (at least 30% of the working day) if it was required to balance work and family obligations.
- Ireland: Employees in Ireland who have worked for a company for at least a year may request adjustments to their employment contracts in order to work part-time, in shifts, or on specific days or hours under the Employment (Miscellaneous Provisions) Act 2018.
Note that the specifics of these laws can change and evolve, and the actual implementation can depend on many factors including the size of the company, the nature of the work, the specific circumstances of the employee, and more. Please check the most up-to-date and local resources for the most accurate information.
Resources:
- Government website on flexible working: https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working
- Acas guide to flexible working: https://www.acas.org.uk/flexible-working
- Anthony Jones article on flexible working changes: https://anthonyjones.com/flexible-working-requests-2023-changes
