Shaping the Future: Flexible Working Requests and Day One Employment Rights
The workplace is evolving, and with recent changes to flexible working requests and the proposed day one employment rights, employers have a golden opportunity to be ahead of the game. Colleen Bloomfield introduces a streamlined system that will help you get ahead of the curve.
From April 2024, employees no longer have to wait in the wings to ask for flexible working arrangements — they can make their requests from day one and up to twice a year. This means businesses can start offering flexible hours, hybrid working, and compressed weeks right from the get go, making you the workplace hero who’s offering the work-life balance everyone’s been dreaming of.
So, what’s the deal? Employees will now be able to request flexible working options as soon as they step through your doors. With enhanced day-one rights, you’re not just being fair; you’re ensuring that flexibility is in place without any faffing about.
Why Now?
Flexibility isn’t just a nice-to-have anymore — it’s practically a job requirement. Offering these options and robust day-one rights will give you a competitive edge in the talent game. Getting ahead of the curve shows you’re not just ticking boxes; you’re genuinely invested in your team’s wellbeing and your role as a forward thinking employer.
How We Can Help
We’re excited to unveil a new feature from Breathe HR that lets HR, Admin, and Line Managers (with the right permissions) add flexible working requests directly to employee profiles. While employees can’t submit these requests themselves, (as they must be in writing), our system ensures everything is properly documented and managed with zero hassle.
This feature is enabled by default across all plan sizes. Requests can be added through the employee portal, and once submitted, the employee gets an email notification. HR or the Line Manager can then review and approve the request. Plus, you can track and report on all flexible working requests effortlessly. This streamlined approach keeps you compliant and flexible from day one.
How Employers Can Lead the Way
Get ahead by setting up a clear and simple process for handling flexible work requests and shout about it from day one. Use smart technology such as Breathe HR to make things easier for both you and your team. And most importantly, make flexibility a core part of your company culture, not just a policy that lives in a dusty binder.
The Future is Flexible
As we dive into this new era of work, flexible working and day-one rights will be the secret ingredients to creating a workplace that’s both fair and fabulous. Those who jump on these changes early won’t just be keeping up with the regulations — they’ll be leading the charge in flexibility and employee satisfaction.
Get in touch to find out more about Breathe HR and how we can help streamline flexible working requests and get you ready for day-one employment rights.
Breathe HR will help you save time and money on all your HR admin. Try it now, through us, for an extended free trial period.
Colleen Bloomfield is an HR Advisor and Partner Specialist at ProAction HR, providing Human Resources Services to SME businesses in Southampton, Winchester and throughout Hampshire and the adjoining counties.
Working for the Winchester-based HR company for three years, and with over 18 years’ experience gained across Co-ordinator roles in HR and Management roles within Payroll, Colleen and the team support clients across Hampshire and neighbouring counties, providing HR advice, HR consultancy, and HR services. They cover a broad range of HR solutions, from one-off responsive HR support to a full Human Resources service, along with Learning & Development, Training and Change Management.
“Helping organisations to thrive on the value & uniqueness of their people.”
