The new flexible working laws that go into effect on April 6th in the UK still need to be discussed by employees and managers, with 24 per cent of workers feeling uneasy about doing so, according to Phoenix Group.
The Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 allows employees to request flexible hours from day one, yet 56 per cent haven’t discussed its implications.
According to a survey by Phoenix Group, managers are less likely to talk about flexible work arrangements with male employees than with female employees, 36 per cent compared to 41 per cent.
Furthermore, only 26 per cent of those over the age of 55 reported talking to their employer about flexible work schedules, compared to 52 per cent of people between the ages of 18 and 34 who did the same.
Employees may now request flexible working arrangements as early as day one under new rules, up to two requests per year. Employees are no longer required to justify the impact, and employers must reply within two months. If an employee’s request is handled improperly, it may result in penalties for the company and an appeal to an Employment Tribunal.
Phoenix Group chief HR director Sara Thomson says: “The way we all view the working world has dramatically changed, and with it comes a real opportunity to re-evaluate our working practices. It’s important that employers are implementing new ways of working which look to balance both business and employee needs.
“At Phoenix Group, our insight shows us just how important flexible working is to many of our employees and to helping people stay in work, earn an income and contribute economically. This is why it’s important for everyone to understand and consider the legislative changes being introduced this month.”
Thompson adds: “We introduced our flex programme, ‘Phoenix Flex’ in 2023, allowing flexible work from day one of employment quite simply because we believe that if we want to attract, retain and develop a talented, diverse workforce to achieve our business goals, we needed to think outside the office based 9-5 model.
“Phoenix Flex is a framework which outlines our approach to flexibility and supports leaders and colleagues with policies, training, and regular communications to embed our culture of flexibility.
“19 per cent out of our 7,800 colleagues work a fixed flexible pattern with a much greater number opting for a more informal approach. Female colleagues and those over the age of 50 are the groups making the greatest use of the flexibility we offer, including working part-time or compressed hours.
“Almost 30% of the population in the UK is over 50+ and we need to ensure we attract and retain experienced skilled workers, and enable them to stay in meaningful, well-paid work for as long as possible. We know from our own experience that offering flexible working helps to attract talent, increases productivity, reduces sickness absence and retains over 50s in our workforce. This in turn allows them to pay into their pensions, save for the future, and avoid the pensions saving gap that so many people in the UK are facing.
“We are working with managers across the organisation, discussing flexible working with colleagues, in a way which drives performance and supports both customers and colleagues. We support the leader and team on how to make Phoenix Flex work, whether that is following the right process, balancing preferences with business needs or learning more about what has worked for other teams.
“We want to support colleagues to perform to their best while balancing all other aspects of their life. We believe the implementation of the new flexible working legislation will make a real change to how the workplace evolves in the future for employers and employees.”