Charlotte Grainger 
Your step-by-step guide to requesting work hours that suit your needs
Looking for flexibility in your working hours? Maybe you want the option to choose office hours that suit your already-busy schedule. Equally, you may feel that you're more productive at certain times of the day and want to take advantage of that. Whatever your reason for wanting more control over your time, you're not alone. Read our guide on how to make a successful flexible working request.
First up, what are flexible working hours?
You may have heard of flexi-time, but do you know what it is? This type of work allows you to customise your office hours to suit you. When you make a flexible working hours request, your boss may allow you, for example, to come in anytime between 8 and 10 a.m. and leave any time between 4 and 6 p.m. So, long as you fulfil your contracted weekly hours, you can determine when you start and finish.
Of course, the meaning of flexi-time may change from company to company. For instance, some employers may allow you to leave early on a Friday if you work extra hours for the rest of the week. You may also be able to go for a "condensed working week" setup, in which you have an extra day off in exchange for working longer days in general. The point is that flexi-time is flexible ‒ both you and your employer determine a setup that works.
How common are flexible working requests?
Before we go any further, let's talk about common flexible working requests. While you might feel that you're asking for something above and beyond, that's not the case. The stats speak for themselves: more than half of UK workers have some type of flexi-work, according to the Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development (CIPD).
How to make a successful flexible working request: 5 steps
If you have considered your options and want to know how to make a successful flexible working request, you've come to the right place. Let's take a look at the five steps you can take when requesting flexible working with your current employer:
Step 1: understand your legal rights
In the UK, you have the legal right to make a request for flexible working from an employer regardless of how long you've worked for them. Before February 2024, you needed to have worked for them for at least 26 weeks before you can apply. However, this is no longer the case. Moreover, you don't have to be a carer or parent to be eligible to apply for flexible working.
While your employer isn't obliged to agree to your request, they do need to assess the request in a "reasonable manner." That is, they have to look at both the advantages and disadvantages of the application, hold a meeting to discuss your case, and offer an appeal process too. If your employer doesn't follow this process, you may be able to launch a tribunal. In such cases, it's worth getting legal advice on the next steps.
Note that the law differs slightly if you live in Northern Ireland – more on the exact legislation here.
Step 2: define your request for flexible working
Before you request for flexible working hours, you need to understand what you're asking for. That means taking the time to consider what schedule will work for you and how this new setup will impact your role.
Write out the terms of your request. For example, you could outline that you will still be working your contracted hours but would like the option to work longer hours on Wednesdays and shorter hours on Thursdays. Whatever your request, it's personal to you and your schedule. You'll also need to outline any times when this may change in the future.
Step 3: weigh up the advantages
Since your employer will have to assess your request, you may want to highlight the advantages of your flexible working setup. Ahead of broaching this topic with your boss, put together a list of the benefits they'll reap. Put simply, you need to put yourself in their shoes and negotiate a system that works for both you and your employer.
What will they gain from giving you flexible working hours? Start by thinking about how having flexi-time will improve your working style. For instance, according to a 2023 CIPD research, employees with access to flexible working report higher productivity, as well as improved work-life balance and performance. After a brainstorm, write down how you believe flexible working can make you a better employee and improve your output.
Step 4: formally submit a statutory application
The correct way to request flexible working is to submit a statutory application. Don't worry ‒ this process sounds much more intimidating than it actually is. In simple terms, you have to write to your employer with your request. Outline all relevant information including your terms, the benefits of flexible working, and when you would like this job change to start. Your employer has two months to consider your request – or longer, if you agree to this in advance.
During this time, your boss will need to assess the advantages and disadvantages of your flexible working request and hold a meeting with you to discuss it. If, after doing so, your employer decides not to grant you your request, they should also offer you a proper appeal process.
Of course, if they agree to your flexible working request, they'll need to change your contract to include the new terms. They will also state when your flexible working term starts and any other additional conditions. Needless to say, you need to make sure that you read your new contract in full before signing anything.
Step 5: apply again (if your request was initially declined)
Being looked over for flexible working can be tough. However, there's a glimmer of hope on the horizon: according to UK law, you can apply for this type of work twice a year. So, if you do intend to stay with the same company for that period, it's worth making a note to remind yourself to re-submit your request at the same time next year.
Alternatively, you may want to seek out a brand new role that offers flexible working arrangements as a standard. If that's the case, you'll need to kick-start your job search by doing some research and revamping your CV.
Make your request known – properly
When it comes to how to make a successful flexible working request, following the above steps is your best bet. While there's no guarantee your boss will approve the request, it's important to follow the standard procedures. Our guide offers a complete rundown of what you should do – good luck!
Eyeing a new role with flexible working arrangements? Submit your CV for a free review and we'll help you get it in tip-top shape for your next application.