Existing employee rights to request a four day week in the form of compressed hours could be strengthened by the government in the coming months, according to reports.
Currently, employees can request to work their contracted weekly hours in four days rather than five by working longer days, also known as compressed hours. Employees work the same number of hours but across fewer days. Employers do not have to agree to the request.
However, conservative shadow business secretary Kevin Hollinrake told the Telegraph that businesses were “petrified” about government plans to strengthen rights to work a four day week.
Work/life balance
The furore has prompted employer body the CIPD to urge the government to “take stock” of how rights to request greater flexibility are currently working before extending rights further.
Ben Willmott, head of public policy for the CIPD, said: “The UK government has indicated they will adapt and build on the existing right to request flexible working to try and ensure flexibility is the genuine default. This is likely to apply to all types of flexible working, not just a compressed four-day working week.
“Flexible working arrangements such as compressed hours, job sharing and term-time working can help people balance their work and home life commitments, while also supporting employer efforts to recruit and retain staff.
‘Take stock’
“However flexible working has to work for both the business and workers if it’s to be sustainable and this needs to be recognised in any changes to regulation,” Willmott said.
“It would make sense for the government to take stock of the impact of recent changes introduced only in April, to enable people to request flexible working from day one of employment, before seeking to make further changes.”
Jeanette Wheeler, CHRO at MHR, said: “While these planned laws around workers’ rights could have a positive impact on work/life balance, employers have a responsibility to make sure any flexible working allowances benefit both the individual and continue supporting the business and its customers.”
Post-pandemic rhythm
Wheeler continued: “It’s no secret that organisations are still struggling to get the post-pandemic rhythm of work right. In fact, our data tells us that 70 percent of the workforce have experienced symptoms of burnout at work.
“Initiatives around flexible working can be a factor in addressing this, but the onus is on leaders to make sure they are encouraging open and honest communication with their people across their entire employee journey, taking the time to understand employee sentiment, and then acting on these insights to build an organisation that comprises high-performing and happy individuals.”
