Flexible Working
Work arrangements that allow variation in hours, location, or schedule from the standard.
Also: agile working · hybrid work
Definition
Flexible working refers to any working arrangement that departs from a traditional fixed nine-to-five, office-based model, including options such as remote work, hybrid working, compressed work weeks, flexitime, part-time, and job sharing. It has become a key element of the EVP, particularly since the pandemic normalized remote work at scale. Organizations must balance flexibility with collaboration, culture, and performance management needs when designing flexible working policies.
Example
“After introducing a hybrid working policy allowing employees to work remotely for up to three days per week, the company saw a 22% improvement in engagement scores and a reduction in office real estate costs.”
Usage Examples
- 1
“The team applied flexible working best practices to improve their organizational design outcomes significantly.”
- 2
“Understanding flexible working is essential for anyone building a career in HR & People.”
When & How to Use
Use 'Flexible Working' when working in Organizational Design contexts where flexible working refers to any working arrangement that departs from a traditional fixed nine-to-five, office-based model, including options such as remote work, hybrid working, compressed work weeks, flexitime, part-time, and job sharing.
- ▸Applying flexible working principles during a organizational design project or initiative
- ▸Explaining flexible working to a junior team member or stakeholder unfamiliar with HR & People
- ▸Evaluating options or proposals using flexible working as a decision-making criterion
Etymology & Origin
The term 'Flexible Working' derives from Old English origins and entered HR & People professional usage as the field formalised in the 20th century.
History & Evolution
The concept of flexible working has evolved alongside HR & People. Early practitioners relied on informal methods; structured approaches emerged with the professionalisation of organizational design in the mid-20th century. Today, flexible working is a standard part of HR & People practice globally.
Synonyms
- agile working
- hybrid working
- remote working
- flexitime
Antonyms / Opposites
- fixed working hours
- rigid work schedule