Flexible working needs a frame

Jan 22 2008 by Sarah Judd, Evening Gazette

How to introduce flexible working into your business

IT IS important to plan, implement and monitor the introduction of flexible working into your business.

It is good practice to inform and consult employees before you introduce the policy. This should help employees consider the question of work-life balance from your business perspective as well as theirs.

Consider the likely effects on other systems and procedures. For example, you will probably need to introduce new ways of recording working patterns and monitoring absence. Existing contracts may have to be changed with the prior written agreement of the employees.

When planning to implement a home-working policy, for example, consider the following points:

What flexible working arrangements will suit your business?

How will applications be considered?

Are there any jobs that might be difficult to do from home?

If there are, what is the obstacle and how can it be overcome?

How flexible are your IT arrangements?

Is there someone competent who could carry out risk assessments at the employee’s home?

On what basis would office furniture and equipment be provided?

Would your business be responsible for paying the cost of internet, email access and telephone bills for business calls?

What arrangements will you make to give home workers access to training and development opportunities?

Visit www.businesslink northeast.co.uk for more details or contact a local broker on 0845 6009 006 for more details.