Flexible Working - What It Means For Your Business

Flexible working is becoming popular in the 21st century workplace, as an increasing number of people seek to combine an active family life with full-time employment. Employers have become more aware of the benefits that flexible working can bring to their business: these can include greater staff retention and better morale along with increased efficiency and productivity. Indeed, for many global businesses some kind of flexible working policy is becoming essential for co-ordinating with their international offices, and recent changes in legislation have significantly increased the number of people with a legal right to apply for flexible working.

Who has the right to apply?

Any employee can apply informally and ask for flexible working hours; whether or not you approve an informal request like this is entirely down to your company’s flexible working policy. But only two kinds of people have a legal right to apply: employees with young or disabled children, and employees who are caring for infirm or disabled adults. Currently, parents with children aged six or under have the right to apply, but from April 2009, this right will be extended to parents with children who are sixteen or under.

An employee must have been working for a company for at least 26 weeks before they can apply for flexible working. For those with a legal right to apply, only one application can be made every 12 months.

What are some of the options for flexible working?

There are numerous flexible working options, and it is important to consider which of them can practically be applied for your business. Some of the most common are:

- Flexible hours. An employee works full or part time hours, but when these hours are worked is fully negotiable. An employee could start and finish two hours later than usual, for example.

-Zero hours contract. A contract that has no fixed hours. The employee works only when there are specific tasks to complete.

-Work from home. An arrangement where an employee works partly or fully from home.

-Job Share. The full time role of a single employee is shared between two or more people on a part time basis.

How do I handle a flexible working request?

Just like any other negotiation with your employees, it is important to follow the correct legal process when handling an application for flexible working. Failure to do so could leave you vulnerable to litigation, so make sure you draw up proper legal documents and follow a clear procedure when considering flexible working for a member of staff.

As part of your flexible working policy, make sure that the employee puts in a written request clearly stating their reasons and the kind of flexible working that they would like to apply for. You should deliver a first reply within 14 days. If you approve their application, you should inform them in writing and draw up a revised contract of employment. If they are going to work from home, you need to agree how their work will be monitored e.g. through daily task lists and timesheets, weekly meetings, and so on.

You can reject an application for flexible working, but you must provide an explanation, based on a sound business reason, and give your employee the right to appeal your decision. Rejections need to be judged carefully – your employee may well consider working somewhere else if you reject their request completely. See if a compromise can be reached, or if there is another flexible working option that may be appropriate.

Useful legal documents

It is very useful to have a written company policy on flexible working, outlining under what circumstances flexible working will be considered, whether any particular positions will be exempt, and so on and so forth. This will give you something to refer to in case of a dispute, and will also be useful to your staff. You may also wish consider some letter templates for certain legal documents, such as a range of flexible working contracts.

Flexible working can seem difficult to implement correctly, but as long as there is clear procedure and consistent company policy, it can bring great benefits for employees and the business alike.

About the Author

Iain Mackintosh is the managing director of Simply-Docs. The firm provides over 1100 legal documents and small business templates covering all aspects of business from equal opportunities in the workplace to a sample flexible working policy.

Related posts:

• Sponsorship For Dubai: A UAE National As A Sponsor Or A Service Agent Is Required By Law
• The Importance Of Research When Obtaining Business Insurance
• Building Your Online Business for Success
• Be realistic when selling on eBay....
• Should You Buy a Wholesale Merchandise Business or Start from Scratch?

Designing Profitable Trade Show Displays -- Don't Make One Of These Mistakes

Finding tradeshow booth designs that are profitable and attention getting isn't easy.There are some basic flaws that if you avoid, will greatly improve your chances of achieving that very goal.Making even one of these mistakes can cost you big dollars in terms of design and even more when you take into account lost sales and leads.It you want to avoid this disaster, make yourself aware of what the mistakes are and carefully consider each step in the process.

Trade Show Displays That Are Difficult To Use

You have to create tradeshow booth designs with both attendees and staff members in mind.

While it doesn't sound the greatest, customers should be thought of as lazy.Unless you have an earth-shattering product that 90% of the world is already dying to have, they aren't going to fight to get access to your exhibit.Therefore, it is imperative that your trade show displays are easy to access.Otherwise, they are just going to walk away.

The floor plan should be easy for them to enter and exit, explore your products, and feel comfortable.This also indicates to your customers that your business considers the client's needs.Poor set up also interferes with the staff's ability to deal with customers because of the inconvenience, loss of patience, and efficiency.

Failing To Get The Message Across With Tradeshow Booth Designs

Trade show displays have to attract attention and demonstrate that you are better than the competition.

However, you need to achieve a balance between standing out and being scary or intimidating.At the same time, you need to express your marketing goals and ideas across to those who see your exhibit.Going too 'out there' with the visual concept of tradeshow booth designs will cause many businesses to think that you are unsuitable for their company.Try not to rebrand or change the face of your company too drastically -- do it gradually and give clients and leads a chance to become familiar with your brand and business.

Making Exhibits Without A Specific Purpose

How do you know if your tradeshow booth designs are perfect if you have no idea what perfect is?

Don't even consider the graphics or any other component until you know exactly what your marketing plan is.This includes your message as well as your customer base.Every item and option chosen for your trade show displays should work toward reaching this goal.You essentially gain ROI on every dime you spend.

Not Testing The Exhibit Prior To Show Time

With all of the time, money, and effort put into tradeshow booth designs, it can be difficult to look at things with a clear and objective eye.

Having several people with different degrees of experience look at the entire package is the best way to test the display and find out what the results will be.Start with experienced staff members who already know what their needs and difficulties are out on the floor.You also want to include those outside the company who are experienced in the industry and those who have no experience in the industry at all.

Tradeshow booth displays take a lot of work and careful consideration in order to find the right format.Knowing some of the mistakes others make can keep you from repeating history and increase your chances at success.Trade show displays are your first chance to leave a good impression on your customer base so make sure it is a positive experience for everyone.

About the Author

Christine O'Kelly writes for Productive Displays, Inc.

Graphics, a leading trade show displays Chicago provider.The tradeshow booth designs provider rents, refurbishes, and creates top-quality trade show exhibits.

Relaited Links:

• Internet Multi-Media Services Can Increase the Exposure of Emerging Small-caps
• When Would You Use a Custom Mascot?
• Forex Course Trading - There Are So Many Forex Courses Which One is the Best for Me?