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Flexible Working

Types of flexible working

Part-time working is the most common type of flexible working, and an increasing number of people now work from home. There are lots of different ways to work work flexibly:

Part-time working

Staff work less than the normal or standard full-time hours. The majority of part-time workers are women.

Jobshare

Two people share the work normally done by one member of staff.

Flexitime

Specified mandatory core hours must be worked but staff have some flexibility on starting or finishing times.

Compressed hours

Contracted hours are worked over fewer days, for example, a four day week or nine day fortnight.

Annualised hours

Staff members’ annual hours are calculated and split into set shifts and unallocated shifts. This type of working suits businesses which are dependent on seasonal working, for example, gardeners.

Staggered hours

Working patterns where staff have different starting, finishing and break times.

Term-time working

Staff work fewer hours or take time off during school holidays.

Working from home

Can be on a regular or ad-hoc basis. Appropriate technology such as access to email and the internet supports communication with the business and clients.

Toil (time off in lieu)

Staff are able to take time off in lieu of overtime, for additional hours worked.

Shift working

Common where staff are required across a 24-hour cycle.

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