Flexible working will boost business says Hunters co-founder
Compulsory plan will see staff legally able to request job sharing and working staggered hours, as well as working from home.
Millions of staff will be able to request flexible working when they start a new job under new government plans unveiled by the Minister for Small Business Kevin Hollinrake.
Hollinrake (pictured), a former estate agent and co-founder of the Hunters chain with John Waterhouse, says the Government aims to make flexible working the default option.
The new measures won’t just mean a combination of working from home and in the office – it can mean employees making use of job-sharing, flexitime and working compressed or staggered hours.
The proposals will give employees greater access to flexibility over where, when, and how they work, which it claims will lead to happier, more productive staff.
Better work-life balance
Flexible working has been found to help employees balance their work and home life, especially supporting those who have commitments or responsibilities such as caring for children or vulnerable people.
The Government says that alongside the clear benefits to employees, there is also a strong business case for flexible working.
By removing some of the invisible restrictions to jobs, flexible working creates a more diverse working environment and workforce, which studies have shown leads to improved financial returns.
“Giving staff more say over their working pattern makes for happier employees and more productive businesses. Put simply, it’s a no-brainer,” said Hollinrake.
“Greater flexibility over where, when and how people work is an integral part of our plan to make the UK the best place in the world to work.”
