Benefits of flexible working

‘Flexible working’ refers to a wide range of employment practices that allow workers to have greater control over:

• where they work – for example, from home or a shared space like an office
• when they work
• how they work

It’s a legal requirement for employers to offer flexible working arrangements.

Find out about the Employment Rights (Flexible Working) Act 2023 on the CIPD website.

Flexible working is important for wellbeing and relations. Adapt working arrangements to fit the needs of your workers and your organisation. This will help to create a more flexible and resilient workforce.

Find out more about flexible working on GOV.UK.

Flexible working arrangements

There are many types of flexible working arrangements employers can offer. These are dependent on the type of job, the operational needs of the organisation and workers' preferences.

Flexible working arrangements include:

• compressed hours – full-time hours over fewer days 
• flexitime – flexible start and end times
• part-time – working less than what your organisation considers to be full-time hours 
• term-time – working during the school term and off during school holidays
• job sharing – 2 workers sharing 1 full-time position
• remote working – working from a different location away from the office 
• hybrid working – working some days in the office and some at home
• working from home – working completely at home

Find out how to create and champion a flexible working culture through the Equality and Human Rights Commission (EHRC).

Why flexible working is important

Research shows that there are significant benefits to employers who offer flexible working arrangements.

In the 2025 Flex for Life Report, 69% of Scottish organisations surveyed said flexible working had reduced sickness and absence. A further 68% said it reduced operational costs. An additional 65% said it increased business productivity.

Overall, 72% of employers said flexible working has a positive impact on their organisation.

How flexible working benefits organisations

Flexible working:

• improves work-life balance, allowing workers to balance their professional and personal commitments more effectively
• reduces absences, allowing people to experience an improved work-life balance and higher level of job satisfaction
• increases productivity and efficiency, enhancing organisational productivity and staff motivation
• helps attract and retain new talent, making organisations more attractive to new employees
• increases adaptability and resilience, helping organisations adjust through other changing circumstances
• saves money, reducing the need for office spaces and utilities costs
• improves diversity and inclusion, helping those who need to balance their professional life with other responsibilities – such as health conditions or disabilities

Top tips for introducing flexible working

Clearly state the types of flexible working arrangements in your organisation and be open to discussing them with your staff.

Lead from the top, encouraging managers to also make use of flexible working, and showcase examples where flexible working is working well for workers.

Upskill managers to deal with flexible working requests and manage those on flexible working patterns. And, where appropriate, advertise jobs as open to flexible working to attract a wider range of talent to your organisation.

Resources for employers on flexible working

The new flexible working laws began in the UK on 6 April 2024. Assess your organisation’s compliance through Timewise.

Find templates and guidance for communicating and introducing flexible working through ACAS.

Explore the benefits of flexible working, types of arrangements and tips on implementing practices in your organisation on the CIPD website.

Find support, resources and tools to help you create a successful flexible working culture through Flexibility Works.

Explore the Flexible Working Scotland jobs board and connect with workers looking for flexible employers.