Flexible working used to be a rare perk, now, it’s something employees are starting to expect.
And it’s not just good for your team , when done right, it can be a massive win for your bottom line too.
If you’re running an established business and thinking about how to manage rising costs without losing your best people, flexible working could be a smart move.
Here’s how it can help — and what you need to watch out for.
What do we mean by “flexible working”?
Flexible working simply means giving your employees more choice about when, where, or how they work.
It covers:
- Remote or hybrid working (partly or fully working from home)
- Flexible hours (e.g., early starts, late finishes, compressed weeks)
- Job sharing
- Part-time roles
- Annualised hours (working more in busy periods, less when it’s quieter)
It’s about making work fit better around people’s lives — and businesses that offer it are often seeing some real benefits.
Why flexible working can help your business
1. Lower office and overhead costs
If fewer people are in the office full-time, you might not need as much space.
Downsizing your rent, slashing utility bills, and spending less on things like supplies and commuting subsidies can free up serious cash.
2. Better staff retention
Replacing a good employee costs a fortune — some estimates say up to £30,000 per head once you add up lost productivity, recruitment fees and training costs.
Offering flexible working can keep people loyal, motivated and less likely to jump ship for competitors.
3. Access to a wider talent pool
If people don’t have to live near your office or work rigid 9-5 hours, you can attract talent you might otherwise miss — including experienced parents, carers, or people outside major cities.
4. Higher productivity
Despite the old worries about people “slacking off” at home, loads of studies show flexible workers are often more productive.
When people can work when they’re at their best (whether that’s 6am or 8pm), businesses often get better results.
5. Supports your ESG and diversity goals
Offering genuine flexible working helps build a more diverse, inclusive workplace, and that’s increasingly important for clients, customers and investors.
Things to watch out for
It’s not all sunshine and roses. If you’re going to offer flexible working, you’ll need to plan properly.
- Clear policies: Set expectations about communication, availability and output.
- Data security: Make sure people working remotely are keeping business data safe.
- Fairness: Avoid “two-tier teams” where in-office workers get more opportunities than remote ones.
- Managing performance: Focus on outcomes, not clock-watching.
Flexible working isn’t about “anything goes” — it’s about giving choice within clear boundaries.
Legal reminder: flexible working requests
Since April 2024, all employees in the UK have the right to request flexible working from day one of employment (not after 26 weeks like before).
You don’t have to agree to every request — but you do need to:
- Handle them fairly
- Make a decision within two months
- Give a proper business reason if you refuse
It’s worth getting advice if you’re unsure — or we can help you draft a flexible working policy that keeps you on the right side of the law.
Final Word: Done Right, Everyone Wins
Flexible working isn’t just about keeping staff happy ,it can make your business leaner, smarter and more profitable too.
At Accounts Direct, we’re here to help businesses like yours: ✅ Plan smart staffing strategies
✅ Keep overheads under control
✅ Stay compliant with employment law changes
Give us a shout if you’re thinking about introducing more flexibility — we’ll help you make it work for your business, not against it.