How to design a flexible job in two easy steps
Flexibility is possible in most roles across a diverse range of sectors and job functions. We encourage employers to start from the assumption that any role can be done in a flexible way. Here are two easy steps for finding the flexibility that works for a given role:
- Consider what types of flexibility are possible:
- Hours: How many hours are needed to carry out the job: is this a full-time role, a more than full-time role (requiring a job share), or a part-time one? If you advertise a job with both full- and part-time options, make sure to have a plan for how the workload will be adjusted if the role is part-time.
- Location: Where do the activities need to be carried out? Is the role client-facing or project-based? Is there scope for remote or hybrid working? Can certain tasks be achieved outside of the usual workplace?
- Working pattern: What activities have to be done when? Are there peak times that require extra cover? Are there short-term deadlines to be met? Is there scope for flexible start and finish times, or for term-time working? Can workers be given the freedom to select their own shifts or to request a fixed shift pattern?
2. Write your job advert:
When offering flexible working in a job advert, it’s important to put the message across in a way that is honest, positive, and clear. And make sure it’s positioned in a prominent place.
Be specific about the types of flexible working options you will consider for each job, and state that you are happy to discuss other forms of flexibility. Visit our What is flexible working? page for a list of the most common flexible working patterns. This list is not exhaustive; feel free to include in your job advert any other flexible working options that have worked for your organisation, and that you feel could work for the position you are advertising.