Flexible working - giving flexibility over where, when and the hours people work - is increasingly in demand, but the number of quality flexible jobs falls well short of that demand. There is an opportunity for employers to do more to provide flexibility for the benefit of employees and organisations.

This factsheet outlines different types of flexible working arrangements, including part-time and compressed hours, remote working and job-shares. It looks at the potential benefits of flexible working, both direct and indirect. It offers the UK legal perspective and some ideas on how flexible working can be implemented, how common barriers can be overcome, and how people professionals can support staff opting for more flexible working arrangements.

Explore our viewpoint on flexible working uptake in more detail, along with actions for government and recommendations for employers.

You can find more information on navigating flexible working in our people manager guide on flexible working and our guidance for people professionals. 

On this page

To continue reading, log in or become a member

Affiliate membership offers instant access to CIPD resources without the need for assessments or study, or explore your options to become a professional member of the CIPD to demonstrate your commitment to the world of work.

  • Access to exclusive, up-to-date resources
  • Become part of a community to learn, debate and connect with other people professionals
  • Free access to a series of CIPD learning courses and a discount on the rest of our catalogue
Instant access Explore membership
  • Report

    HR practices in Ireland

    The annual HR practices in Ireland survey helps you to keep your finger on the pulse of what’s happening in the profession and facilitates benchmarking to improve practices and impact

    Read the findings
  • Factsheet

    Pay fairness and pay reporting

    Find out what's meant by fair pay, what pay information UK employers must disclose by law and the opportunities pay narratives bring.

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Occupational health

    Outlines the role of occupational health services in an organisation and the role of confidentiality and consent in discussing an employee’s health

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    Recruitment: An introduction

    Facts on the recruitment and resourcing process; from defining the role to making the appointment

    For Members
  • Factsheet

    PESTLE analysis

    Discover what PESTLE means, how it influences your organisation, plus a downloadable template

    • Factsheets