The widespread demand for flexible working and the significant policy drivers to improve flexible working and increase its use have underscored the need for real-life, evidence-based guidance to support flexible working implementation. In 2019 the CIPD therefore conducted in-depth research in collaboration with Affinity Health at Work. Our insight was drawn from cross-sector case studies, action learning events and reflective diaries.
Nine organisations contributed to these case studies. In each organisation, interviews were conducted with an HR professional, a line manager and a flexible worker to obtain a rounded perspective. A further case study was gathered from a job-share partnership (in which the job-sharers have worked together across different employers).
Across the different case study organisations, there was a wide range of examples of flexible working, including:
- part-time
- job-share
- compressed hours
- term-time-only contracts
- flexibility over working days
- working from home
- annualised hours
- staggered hours (with late starts/early finishes)
- four-day week (with full-time pay)
- ad hoc flexibility
- temporary flexibility (such as career breaks and sabbaticals).
The full summaries of these case studies and practice highlights are collated here to give clear examples of flexible working operating within different contexts, including at senior levels and in roles and areas of organisations that are not traditionally seen as suitable for flexible working. By examining and adapting as appropriate some of the creative flexible working practices seen, organisations and people professionals can derive solutions that can help them to successfully enable flexible working whatever stage they are at on their journey.
In this series
Case studies
Implementing flexible working produced benefits in terms of retention and reduced sickness absence
Case studies
Experimentation is key when it comes to flexible working
Case studies
Communication proved critical for making flexible working successful
Case studies
CEO support and promotion of flexible working key to its success
Case studies
Trust and good communication between line managers and colleagues essential for developing successful flexible working
Case studies
Flexibility is equally beneficial for the organisation, employees and, importantly, clients
Case studies
Successful implementation of flexible working looks different across different areas of the business
Case studies
Finding a balance for both employee and business needs
Case studies
Champion the process through line managers and people at different levels to overcome any resistance
Case studies
Honesty and trust between a job-sharing partnership essential for it to work successfully
CIPD Trust
Tackling barriers to work today whilst creating inclusive workplaces of tomorrow.
Maximise the benefits of flexible working, incorporating flexibility into people plans, strategy, and EVP
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