Flexible Working – A Way Forward

A practical course exploring flexible working rights, responsibilities, best practice and how to design effective policies that support staff and meet organisational needs.

Flexible Working – A Way Forward Training Course

Flexible Working – A Way Forward

Flexible working is now a central feature of modern employment, shaping how organisations attract talent, retain skilled staff, and respond to changing operational demands. This course provides a clear, practical understanding of current flexible working rights, organisational responsibilities, and the cultural shifts required to embed flexibility effectively. Delegates explore how flexible arrangements can improve productivity, reduce costs, and strengthen employee wellbeing. Through case studies, guided discussions, and practical exercises, participants learn how to design flexible working approaches that meet business needs while supporting staff with diverse circumstances. The session is ideal for managers, HR professionals, and leaders seeking to modernise working practices, respond to statutory duties, and create a workplace culture where flexibility is understood, valued, and implemented confidently.

Introduction

Flexible working has become a key motivator for staff seeking healthier work/life balance, greater autonomy, and arrangements that support caring responsibilities or personal wellbeing. Organisations that embrace flexibility often see improved morale, increased productivity, and stronger retention. This course explores how flexible working can operate as both an employee benefit and a strategic business tool, helping organisations meet customer demands, reduce overheads, and recruit high-quality staff. Delegates will examine statutory duties, best practice examples, and practical approaches to redesigning policies and working patterns.

Scenario 1: Competing Pressures

A team leader is managing increasing service demands while two staff request flexible arrangements. Delegates consider:

  • How to balance fairness with operational needs
  • How to communicate decisions transparently
Scenario 2: Remote Working Challenges

An employee working remotely feels disconnected and under pressure. Delegates explore:

  • How to measure performance by outcomes
  • How to maintain team cohesion and wellbeing
Scenario 3: Policy Redesign

An organisation wants to update its flexible working policy. Delegates discuss:

  • How to ensure clarity and accessibility
  • How to embed flexibility into culture

Flexible working is more than a set of contractual options; it reflects how organisations understand people, productivity, and the realities of modern life. When implemented thoughtfully, flexible arrangements can reduce stress, support wellbeing, and create a more inclusive environment for staff with diverse needs. However, flexibility also requires trust, clear communication, and a shift away from traditional assumptions about visibility and productivity. Managers must feel confident navigating requests, balancing fairness with operational requirements, and ensuring decisions are consistent and legally compliant. Delegates reflect on how flexible working intersects with organisational culture, leadership behaviours, and staff expectations. The course encourages participants to consider how flexibility can strengthen team relationships, improve service delivery, and support long-term workforce resilience. By examining real examples and exploring practical tools, delegates gain a deeper understanding of how flexible working can be embedded sustainably and confidently across the organisation.

Myth-Busting Flexible Working

  • Myth: Flexible working reduces productivity.
    Reality: Many organisations report increased output when staff have autonomy.
  • Myth: Only parents request flexible working.
    Reality: Staff seek flexibility for wellbeing, study, health, and work/life balance.
  • Myth: Flexibility is too difficult to manage.
    Reality: Clear policies and outcome-based performance make it manageable.
  • Myth: Flexible working is a one-size-fits-all model.
    Reality: Different arrangements suit different roles and business needs.

Modules

Understanding Flexible Working

Rights, responsibilities, and emerging changes.

Flexible Working in Practice

Case studies, best practice, and sector examples.

Designing Flexible Policies

Workshop on improving organisational policy and culture.

Managing Remote Workers

Outcome-based performance and communication.

Course Content

  • Introduction to flexible working rights and responsibilities
  • Flexible working as a business tool
  • Case studies and best practice
  • Workshop: redesigning flexible working policies

Course Outcomes

  • Understand statutory duties
  • Apply flexible working confidently
  • Use flexibility to improve efficiency
  • Design effective policies

Course Structure and Cost

All our courses are tailored to ensure the training reflects your organisation’s goals and priorities.

Delivery Options

The course can be delivered face to face or online, via Zoom or Teams.

Delegate Numbers
  • Online sessions: maximum of 15 delegates
  • Face-to-face sessions: recommended maximum of 20 delegates

Course Fees

  • £595 for a half-day session
  • £895 for a full-day session
  • Two half-day sessions delivered on the same day are charged at the full-day rate

Please note: the half-day rate is not always available for face-to-face sessions.

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