There are requirements imposed by the Employment Relations (Flexible Working) Act 2023 - this came into force effective 1 April 2024.

Companies must inform staff that they have, what is referred to as “day one rights” – where they can make a flexible working request from their first day of employment.

Employees are also permitted to make two (2) requests in a twelve (12)-month period and in compliance the Company will ensure that decisions are made within two (2) months – with an obligation to consult with the employee.

These changes should be viewed positively as flexible working can reduce stress, allow employees to manage work-life balance better and lower the risk of workplace accidents or injuries due to fatigue or over-working.

Just last year, a survey conducted by Censuswide on behalf of flexible office experts Space32, which interviewed 2,000 UK adults, revealed that 23 percent of respondents would be unwilling to return to the office five days a week in exchange for their dream job. An additional 14 percent were unsure if they would accept a dream job offer that required them to be in the office full-time.

It is therefore essential to ensure Companies have flexible arrangements in plce not just to attract but also to retain staff.