FAQs: Will asking for flexibility be viewed as a lack of commitment or ambition?

Whether a request for flexible working is viewed as a lack of commitment depends on the culture of your workplace and how you explain your circumstances to your employers.

Some working environments have a culture of long hours where demonstrating your commitment by working late in the office is important. This kind of culture is particularly associated with City firms although it may be found in all kinds of work places. With increased pressure on businesses to consider flexible working and to consider the needs of workers with families there is some evidence that this culture may be changing.

Before you ask about flexible working you may like to check whether your employer has a flexible working policy. You may also consider identifying other people within your organisation who work flexibly and asking them about their experience. This may help to inform you about how a request for flexible working is likely to be viewed.

If you decide to make a request, a great deal of how it is perceived will depend on how you explain your wish to work flexibly. In some cases you may be able to explain your request in terms of self-development, for example taking leave to study or taking a secondment. Where you are requesting home working or teleworking, similarly you may be able to explain this in terms of improving your ability to manage your workload. Generally where you are requesting flexible working it is a good idea to emphasise your long-term commitment to the job and to be clear about your plans for the future.

AGCAS

Written by Rosie Alexander, AGCAS

Date: 

April 2011

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