This article explores why so many flexible working policies don’t enable mutually beneficial, two-sided flexibility in practice. It recommends an overall strategy and practical steps to increase the uptake of flexible working arrangements, while aligning the interests of both employers and employees.

CIPD member content

This content is only available for CIPD members

More on this topic

Guides
Planning and managing flexible working

Guide for people professionals to maximise the benefits of flexible working, incorporating flexibility into people plans, strategy, and their EVP

Tools
How to improve flexible working in your organisation

Use our flexible working quiz to receive tailored recommendations

Latest Bitesize research

Bitesize research
Using algorithms to make decisions ethically and responsibly

Algorithms can help speed decisions and help organisations to operate more efficiently or profitably, but what are the pitfalls particularly from an ethical perspective?

For Members
Bitesize research
Role ambiguity can lead to bullying but supportive leadership helps

How might role ambiguity lead to workplace bullying and what is the impact of leadership support in negating this effect?

For Members
Bitesize research
How to start using AI as an HRM assistant

An exploration of how generative AI tools like ChatGPT can be used effectively to support human resource management

For Members
Bitesize research
Pay cuts as an alternative to redundancies

When cost savings are required, what is the impact of making pay cuts instead of redundancies?

For Members
All Bitesize research