Effectively Navigating Hybrid Working Requests in 2024

Hybrid working is an approach that accommodates an employee’s needs, such as flexible start and finish times or working from home. All employees have the legal right to request flexible working arrangements. They can request changes to:

• The number of hours they work
• Their start or finish times
• The days they work
• Their work location

Given that home working, online meetings, and IT reliance are as prevalent as ever, businesses and their workers are continue to assess how the future for workplace attendance looks.

There continues to be an increasing surge in requests for flexible working, with many companies establishing a blended approach of home and office working. Every employee with more than 26 weeks of continuous service can make a flexible working request once every 12 months. There are several pros and cons of hybrid working to consider.

Pros of Hybrid Working

1. Better work-life balance: Employees can better manage their personal and professional lives, leading to increased satisfaction and overall well-being.
2. Saved commuting time and costs: Reduced travel time means employees can spend more time on productive tasks or personal activities, and they save money on travel expenses.
3. Higher levels of motivation: The flexibility to work in a preferred environment can lead to higher motivation and productivity.
4. Improved employee experience: Workers often report a higher quality of life and job satisfaction when given the flexibility to work from home.
5. Access to a broader talent pool: Companies can hire from a wider geographic area, attracting talent that might not be available locally.
6. Reduced environmental impacts: Fewer commutes mean lower carbon emissions, contributing to environmental sustainability.
7. Saves money for both company and worker: Businesses can reduce overhead costs like office space and utilities, while employees save on travel and meal expenses.

Cons of Hybrid Working

1. Businesses give up a sense of control over employees: Managers may feel they have less oversight of employee productivity and engagement.
2. Distractions: Home environments can present various distractions that may impact work quality and focus.
3. Loneliness: Remote work can lead to feelings of isolation and detachment from the team.
4. Loss of social aspect to working life: The spontaneous interactions and camaraderie of an office environment can be hard to replicate virtually.
5. Communication needs to be considered: Effective communication strategies must be in place to ensure team cohesion and clear information flow.

That being said, not all jobs can be completed from home, and a number of flexible working requests are being rejected based on one, or more, of the nine reasons set out under Section 80G of the Employment Rights Act. These reasons include the burden of additional costs, inability to meet customer demand, and detrimental impact on quality or performance, among others.

However, businesses may accommodate such requests, even if only on a temporary basis, to support their staff with changes in their personal and domestic circumstances. Associated discrimination has been cited in some cases relating to caring for dependants who cannot necessarily access the same care arrangements they had pre-COVID. Case law expects businesses to be reasonable when considering such requests and to have well-founded operational reasons when rejecting a request.

Consider the application and possible temporary arrangements if permanent changes to work cannot be accommodated. Ensure your policy is up-to-date, implemented, and followed. One of the biggest failings occurs when the request is not formally handled. There are laws around this, and they need to be considered carefully.

With further rights afforded employees to request flexible working from April 2024, the conversation around hybrid working continues to evolve. Both employees and employers should navigate this new landscape with flexibility, understanding, and a commitment to mutual benefit. By considering the pros and cons thoughtfully and ensuring compliance with legal requirements, businesses can foster a work environment that is both productive and supportive.