Understanding the different types of flexible working arrangements

Flexible working arrangements have become a cornerstone of modern workplaces. They offer employees more control over when, where, and how they work, while helping businesses attract top talent and boost productivity.

But what exactly does flexibility look like? There’s no one-size-fits-all approach to flexible working. From remote options to customised schedules, flexible working arrangements come in many forms.

Let’s explore the most common types, their benefits, and how they can be implemented effectively in your business with a little help from BrightHR.

Flexible working hours

One of the most popular forms of flexibility is flexible working hours, which allow employees to choose their own start and finish times within agreed parameters.

Your options for flexible working hours include:

Core hours

Employees must be available during a set timeframe. For example, they must be working from 10 am to 3 pm but can work the rest of their hours earlier or later.

Staggered hours

Employees work the same number of hours but with differing start and end times, depending on their needs or preferences.

Compressed workweeks

Employees work the same total hours but over fewer days. For example, they work four 10-hour days instead of five 8-hour days.

This type of arrangement suits employees who need to manage personal responsibilities, avoid peak commute times, or match their work to their most productive hours. For employers, it boosts engagement while maintaining structure.

Remote working

Remote working, also known as working from home, allows employees to work from locations outside the office, whether that’s home, a co-working space, or even a different city or country.

Types of remote working you could implement are:

Fully remote

Employees work entirely off-site and rarely, if ever, come to the office.

Hybrid remote

Employees split their time between working remotely and coming into the office, often on a set schedule.

Remote work can reduce office overheads, expand your talent pool beyond geographical constraints, and improve employee satisfaction by removing commuting stress. However, it requires strong communication tools and clear expectations to succeed.

Part-Time work

Part-time work is a traditional yet effective form of flexibility, involving employees working fewer hours than a standard full-time schedule.

Variations of part-time work include:

Reduced hours

Employees work a shorter workweek, such as 20 to 30 hours instead of the typical 40 hours.

Job sharing

Two employees share the responsibilities of a single full-time role, splitting hours and tasks.

This arrangement is ideal for employees who are students, caregivers, or transitioning to retirement. For employers, it enables cost savings and allows you to retain skilled workers who can’t commit to full-time schedules.

Flexplace (location flexibility)

Flexplace arrangements focus on where employees work, giving them more freedom to choose their location.

Examples of flexplace:

Hot desking

Employees book and use workspaces at the office as needed, instead of having assigned desks.

Work-from-anywhere

Employees can work from any location, provided they have the necessary tools and connectivity.

Flexplace reduces real estate costs for businesses while giving employees autonomy. It also supports a healthier work-life balance by letting employees work in environments that suit them best.

Seasonal or variable hours

Some businesses, particularly in industries like retail or hospitality, see fluctuating demand throughout the year. Seasonal or variable hours allow employees to adjust their schedules based on business needs or personal circumstances.

Types of seasonal or variable arrangements you could use:

Seasonal work

Employees work more hours during busy seasons and fewer during quieter periods.

Custom rotas

Employees have varying weekly hours tailored to their availability and job requirements.

This arrangement aligns staffing levels with demand, improving efficiency while accommodating employees’ personal needs.

Results-Only Work Environment (ROWE)

In a results-only work environment, employees are judged solely on their performance and output rather than their working hours. They have complete autonomy over when and how they complete their tasks, as long as they deliver results.

ROWE is perfect for knowledge-based roles, such as creative or project-driven work, where productivity isn’t tied to time spent but rather the quality of outcomes. It also fosters a high level of trust and accountability.

Unlimited annual leave

While technically not a working arrangement, unlimited annual leave policies align with the principles of flexibility by giving employees control over their time off.

Essentially it works by letting your employees take as much time off as they need, provided they meet their responsibilities and the business isn’t disrupted.

Unlimited annual leave promotes trust, prevents burnout, and shows employees that their wellbeing matters. It’s especially effective in businesses with a results-focused culture.

Shift flexibility

For businesses with shift-based roles, allowing employees to swap shifts, pick up open shifts or choose schedules adds an extra layer of flexibility.

• Employees can trade shifts with coworkers to accommodate personal commitments.

• Employers may offer open shifts, letting employees pick shifts that work best for them.

  This arrangement is particularly useful in industries like healthcare, hospitality, or manufacturing, where 24/7 operations are common. It improves employee satisfaction and helps cover staffing needs more efficiently. For more information on shifts, see our article Shift patterns at work.

How to choose the right flexible working arrangements

Not all forms of flexibility will suit every business or team. When deciding which types of flexible working arrangements to offer, consider the following:

• Your industry: Service-based roles may require more structure, while knowledge-based roles often thrive on autonomy.

• Employee preferences: Survey your team to understand what types of flexibility matter most to them.

• Business needs: Ensure that flexibility aligns with operational requirements, deadlines, and customer expectations.

• Technology: Invest in tools that support remote communication, time tracking, and task management to make flexibility seamless.

The future of flexible working can be bright with BrightHR

As workplaces continue to evolve, offering a variety of flexible working arrangements will become essential for businesses that want to stay competitive. Flexibility isn’t just about accommodating employees—it’s about creating a culture of trust, adaptability, and mutual success.

By understanding and implementing these types of flexible arrangements, your business can attract top talent, improve performance and productivity, and foster a happier, more engaged workforce.

Whether it’s adjusting hours, enabling remote work, or exploring new scheduling options, BrightHR has your back.

Thanks to technological innovations, it's easier than ever to manage and implement flexible working arrangements into your business.

With our award-winning HR software, you'll be able to:

• Create shifts and rotas for any flexible working pattern with ease

• Fully modernise your business for flexible working requirements

• Update and securely store your flexible workforce policy with unlimited cloud storage

• Track your remote workers from any location with our exclusive clocking in and out app

See for yourself how BrightHR can help you establish a flexible workforce, book your free demo today.