The Covid-19 pandemic has redefined the way we work. Remote, hybrid and digital-nomad models have become the new normal. It looks like the United Kingdom is taking the next step in leading the future of work. A new proposal from the government will offer workers the right to request flexible working when they start new jobs.
The plan provides for all U.K. workers to ask for a flexible arrangement on their first day of work. Companies, according to the proposed act, will be obligated to respond promptly. If the request is denied, supervisors would need to offer solid reasons supporting their decision. Currently, employees need to be in their positions for six months before they could submit a request.
While anyone could make the request, the plan was “particularly aimed at enabling women, disabled people, parents and caretakers to balance their professional lives with personal commitments.”
There are some people who say that there should be more to the proposal. To promote transparency and not place the uncomfortable burden on the employee to humbly ask their boss for the flexible option, businesses should clearly list what work choices are available on the job posting.
This movement actually started before the virus outbreak. In 2019, England looked into a variety of flexible work models. Some of the options included abbreviated hours, job sharing and working from home.
Statistics showed that over 30% of requests for flexible arrangements were turned down in the past. Many people, especially working mothers, are believed to not have submitted requests, feeling that they would be denied. They were also concerned that by simply asking, it could be viewed by their bosses that they weren’t serious about their jobs and would result in adverse consequences.
Deputy leader of the Labour Party, Angela Rayner, said, “Labour will give workers the right to flexible working—not just the right to request it—and give all workers full rights from day one on the job.” Rayner added, “The ‘new normal’ after this pandemic must mean a new deal for all working people based on flexibility, security and strengthened rights at work.”
This is another example of how our mindset toward work has changed. The idea of being chained to a cubicle for eight-plus hours a day, five days a week now looks archaic. Four-day workweeks, six-hour workdays, flexible staggered hours, mental health days off, closing the office for a week, in an effort to stem burnout, and other worker-friendly initiatives are all on the table for discussions.
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