Flexible working can help increase employee engagement, job satisfaction and wellbeing across an organisation.

Although these are postive factors for flexible working, research we carried out found that 46% of employees do not have flexible working conditions in their current role. At the CIPD, we believe that flexible working should be the norm, not the exception.

Explore our evidence-based practical guidance, tools and reports to help you design and implement flexible and hybrid working procedures into your workplace. Use our tools to map your flexible and hybrid working journey for your organisation.

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Factsheets

Regularly-updated factsheets provide overviews and information on a topic

One Factsheet about Flexible and hybrid working
Factsheet
Flexible working practices
Explores the benefits of flexible working, the types of arrangements commonly used and gives practical tips on implementing flexible working practices
For Members

Guides

Designed for practitioners, our guides provide recommendations and advice on how to apply good practice in the workplace.

Five Guides about Flexible and hybrid working
Guide
Planning and managing flexible working
Maximise the benefits of flexible working, incorporating flexibility into people plans, strategy, and EVP
Guide
People manager guide: Flexible working
Practical guidance for managers on managing flexible working
Guide
Hybrid working: Guidance for people professionals
Advice on how organisations can manage hybrid working arrangements
Guide
People manager guide: Supporting hybrid working
Advice for line managers on supporting and enabling hybrid working
For Members
Guide
Effective hybrid working: Practical guidance
Guidance commissioned by the CIPD on behalf of the Flexible Working Taskforce

Reports

Research and analysis by experts from CIPD and partner organisations

13 Reports about Flexible and hybrid working
Report
Resourcing and talent planning report
Trend analysis and benchmarking data on recruitment, retention and talent management to inform HR and employers on practice considerations and decision-making
Report
CIPD Good Work Index: Northern Ireland
A Northern Ireland summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report
Report
CIPD Good Work Index: Wales
A Wales summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report
Report
CIPD Good Work Index: North of England
A North of England summary of the CIPD Good Work Index 2024 survey report
Report
CIPD Good Work Index
The CIPD Good Work Index provides an annual snapshot of job quality in the UK, giving insight to drive improvement to working lives
Report
Flexible and hybrid working practices in 2023
Our research explores employer and employee perspectives of flexible and hybrid working practices and asks whether organisations are doing enough to meet employee demand
Report
The four-day week: Employer perspectives
This report examines employer perspectives of the challenges and opportunities that come with adopting a shorter working week
Report
An update on flexible and hybrid working practices
Our report and accompanying case studies consider the implications, challenges and benefits of hybrid and flexible working for organisations and their employees
Report
Trends in flexible working arrangements
Data shows homeworking continues to increase while other forms decrease or remain low
Report
Flexible working: lessons from the pandemic
From the 'nature' of the work to the design of work: based on case studies and research into enforced flexible working measures during COVID-19, this report outlines strategies to make a success of hybrid working
Report
Working from home: Assessing the research evidence
Preliminary recommendations arising from enforced homeworking during the COVID-19 lockdown
Report
Megatrends: Working from home – what’s driving the rise in remote working?
This report examines the key drivers behind the rise in homeworking and the factors that hold back wider implementation
Report
Megatrends: Flexible working
This report looks at recent trends in flexible working, concentrating on when and where work is done

Case studies

Learn from real world examples of how other people professionals and organisations work with the CIPD to approach key challenges and objectives.

21 Case studies about Flexible and hybrid working
Case study
Flexible and hybrid working: Pearson
Pearson encourages collaboration and community, whilst giving employees the freedom and responsibility to determine where and when they work
Case study
Flexible and hybrid working: Zenith
In the UK’s leading vehicle leasing organisation, agile working means a hybrid approach that brings the best of the office with the best of working elsewhere, with trust at its core
Case study
Flexible and hybrid working: Principality Building Society
Principality’s approach to flexible and hybrid working focuses on ensuring colleagues are supported, connected and productive, regardless of how or where they choose to work
Case study
Flexible and hybrid working: Scottish Water
Scottish Water’s progressive approach to flexible working has been recognised by the Flexibility Works employer awards as one of the country’s Top 10 flexible employers in 2021 and 2022
Case study
Hybrid working and employee wellbeing: International SOS Foundation
A case study on using evidence-based practice to better understand how to support hybrid workforces
Case study
Hybrid working: Bank of Ireland
Matt Elliott, Chief People Officer at Bank of Ireland, believes COVID-19 has helped HR rediscover its caring side
Case study
Hybrid working: NEC Europe
After implementing hybrid working at NEC Europe over two years ago, Head of HR, Meera De Sa, says success lies in trusting staff to work just as hard from home
Case study
Hybrid working: Central Surrey Health (NHS)
Sayma Salik, People Partner at Central Surrey Health (NHS), says hybrid working is here to stay, but the balance will lean towards returning to the office.
Case study
Hybrid working: GlobalGiving UK
Case study on a business that relies on networking, who decided sharing an office space with other companies could be the ideal hybrid solution
Case study
Flexible working: Calderdale and Huddersfield NHS Foundation Trust
Implementing flexible working produced benefits in terms of retention and reduced sickness absence
Case study
Flexible working: Pharmaceutical Research Associates
Flexibility is equally beneficial for the organisation, employees and, importantly, clients
Case study
Flexible working: Hachette
CEO support and promotion of flexible working key to its success
Case study
Flexible working: Transport for London (TfL)
Finding a balance for both employee and business needs
Case study
Flexible working: A job-share partnership
Honesty and trust between a job-sharing partnership essential for it to work successfully
Case study
Flexible working: Cross-sector insights
Explore case studies from nine cross-sector organisations to learn about flexible working within different contexts
Case study
Flexible working: Schneider Electric
Successful implementation of flexible working looks different across different areas of the business
Case study
Flexible working: Lendlease
Trust and good communication between line managers and colleagues essential for developing successful flexible working
Case study
Flexible working: GLF Schools
Communication proved critical for making flexible working successful
Case study
Flexible working: United Living
Champion the process through line managers and people at different levels to overcome any resistance
Case study
Flexible working: Enterprise Rent-A-Car
Experimentation is key when it comes to flexible working
Case study
Smarter working: Christchurch and East Dorset
By modernising their office, going digital and working flexibly, the bright sparks at Christchurch and East Dorset Councils saved £4m, improved customer service and transformed morale

Tools

Seven Tools about Flexible and hybrid working
Tools
How to improve flexible working in your organisation
Use our flexible working quiz to receive tailored recommendations
For Members
Tools
How to manage flexible working requests made during recruitment flowchart
Use this flowchart to work through how to respond to flexible working requests made during recruitment
For Members
Tools
Measuring and evaluating the impact of flexible working
Checklist to assist people professionals in measuring, monitoring and evaluating flexible working
For Members
Tools
Building a business case for flexible working
Use this checklist and evidence overview to help build a convincing business case for flexible working
Tools
Getting buy-in for flexible working flowchart
This flowchart provides guidance to people professionals who need to gain buy-in and present a business case for flexible working.
For Members
Tools
Assessing roles for hybrid working flowchart
Use our flowchart to assess roles for hybrid working, considering the nature of the work undertaken in a role
For Members
Tools
Hybrid working: Checklist for managers
Use our manager checklist to kick off discussions around hybrid working and agree flexible working arrangements
For Members

Thought leadership

Insight and foresight from our experts in people and the world of work

10 Thought leadership about Flexible and hybrid working
Thought leadership
A growing spotlight on flexible working
New legislation will see workers have a greater say over when, where, and how they work. Claire McCartney discusses the day-one right to flexible working, and the role CIPD is playing.
Thought leadership
Maximising employee voice in a hybrid working world
Tips for enabling employee voice and the dangers of employee silence
Thought leadership
The future of work: Insights for senior leaders on drivers of change
Our article series explores key trends shaping our future workplaces and working lives
Thought leadership
Prioritising wellbeing in an ‘always on’ digital age
Out-of-hours ICT use can lead to ‘always on’ working and be a serious barrier to wellbeing. What can employers do to help?
Thought leadership
Let's open up flexible working for all
Claire McCartney’s article reflects on CIPD’s new #FlexFrom1st campaign, specifically looking into subsections of flexible working such as home and hybrid working. She also discusses our recommendations for employers and the UK Government, and how beneficial the government’s Flexible Working Taskforce will be going forward
Thought leadership
Organisations need to work with their carers to give them the support they need, now more than ever...
Claire McCartney explores the challenges working carers face and what employers, and government, can do to support them in the workplace
Thought leadership
Coronavirus and the workforce: Working from home in the 'new normal'
This thought piece explores the pros and cons of using digital technologies to work from home during COVID-19
Thought leadership
Can the four-day week solve work-life balance?
This thought piece explores why a four-day working week won’t create better work-life balance
Thought leadership
Flexible working: new cross-sector guidance and toolkit
Claire McCartney writes about new CIPD practical guidance and toolkit to help organisations at different stages of their flexible working journeys
Thought leadership
Any time, any place, anywhere (part 2)
Enabled by technology and spurred on by increasing globalisation, the ability to work anywhere, anytime has, for many workers, morphed into working everywhere, all of the time

Podcasts

Listen to episodes from our podcast series on a range of topical workplace, HR and L&D issues.

Four Podcasts about Flexible and hybrid working
Podcast
Has working remotely killed organisational culture?
Podcast 200: Listen to our podcast on the impact of hybrid working on organisational culture and whether organisations should mandate a return to the physical workplace.
Podcast
Can we make a 4-day week work?
Episode 188: Offering a four-day week could give organisations a competitive edge, as employees seek a better work-life balance. But does it really have the potential to become the norm across a wide range of sectors and businesses?
Podcast
Building back better post-pandemic
Episode 170: The post-pandemic recovery offers businesses the opportunity to build back better. This podcast explores how business can reimagine three key elements of work; the physical workplace, working practices and working relationships.
Podcast
Future of flexible working
Episode 146: We explore the Flexible Working Taskforce and the CIPD's new investigation into flexible working

Webinars

Webinar recordings providing expert guidance

14 Webinars about Flexible and hybrid working
Webinar
Right to request flexible working: Upcoming changes
Watch our webinar for an outline of the changes, guidance and advice from our panel of experts
Webinar
Webcast: Flexible & Hybrid working and Inclusion case studies
Watch the excellent case studies on flexible and hybrid working and inclusion at the CIPD Ireland Annual Conference 2022
Webinar
Is successful hybrid working feasible for you?
Watch our video and explore how to make hybrid working feasible for your organisation
Webinar
Essential strategies and practices for leading hybrid teams
Watch our CIPD Southern Region webinar and discover how you can ensure your hybrid teams thrive
Webinar
Solving the hybrid working challenge
Watch our webinar to hear from the UK Government’s Flexible Working Taskforce and explore how to implement hybrid working in your organisation.
Webinar
Managing multicultural teams
Watch our webinar to hear from a panel of UK and international experts how managers can positively influence culturally diverse teams, and how to successfully manage an increasingly hybrid workforce.
Webinar
Returning to the workplace: mitigate the divide
Watch our webinar to unpack how employers can best rebuild trust and working relationships as workers are reintroduced into to the workplace.
Webinar
Returning to the workplace - hybrid working
Watch our webinar to explore how you can best support your frontline and key workers’ mental wellbeing now and beyond the pandemic.
Webinar
Is the future of work remote?
Watch our CIPD Western Region webinar exploring the future directions of remote working
Webinar
Embedding flexible working for all
Watch our webinar and explore how you can support access to flexible working for your workforce
Webinar
Remote working: maintaining productivity
Watch a video and download slides from our webinar discussing how employers and people professionals can keep remote workers motivated and engaged
Webinar
Homeworking long-term
Watch our webinar discussing how people professionals can effectively support ongoing homeworking
Webinar
What's next for remote working?
CIPD LIVE webinar series: Leadership in a virtual environment
Webinar
Looking after your remote teams
Watch our webinar on supporting the health and well-being of your remote working teams

Evidence reviews

Evidence reviews enable you to ask the critical questions and use evidence for better decision-making.

Two Evidence reviews about Flexible and hybrid working
Evidence review
Flexible working, teleworking and diversity: An evidence review
Examine the evidence behind the claim that flexible working arrangements support inclusion and diversity
For Members
Evidence review
Developing effective virtual teams
This report gives insight and practice recommendations for running effective remote teams from our evidence-based review
For Members

Bitesize research

Your regular overview of current research, inspiring insights and cutting-edge ideas in bitesize

36 Bitesize research about Flexible and hybrid working
Bitesize research
Is office space essential for productive work?
Evaluating the pros and cons of working in shared office spaces, and how they impact on productivity
For Members
Bitesize research
What does 50 years of research reveal about the 4-day work week?
A four-day working week is not a one-size-fits-all intervention and can vary in impact depending on context and the model adopted
For Members
Bitesize research
Should employees choose their working hours?
The case for giving people more working-time autonomy
For Members
Bitesize research
Missing social interactions leading employees to reject working from home
A look at a German study that explores why some employees prefer to work onsite than from home
For Members
Bitesize research
Why employees with more flexible working options work harder
Research suggests that increasing flexible working options for employees in routine jobs boosts productivity
For Members
Bitesize research
Does working from home lead to psychological isolation?
Researchers explore the experience of physically distanced team members
For Members
Bitesize research
Job autonomy should be bolstered with support
Research suggests that job autonomy should be accompanied by appropriate support for employees, to avoid excess job demands
For Members
Bitesize research
Evolution of homeworking opportunities in the UK according to job ads
Research shows that offering ‘working from home’ options has become an intrinsic part of the recruitment market
For Members
Bitesize research
Performance and productivity – the impact of team cohesion
How does different aspects of team cohesion affect employee performance and productivity?
For Members
Bitesize research
Part-time working: lessons from flexible furlough
Exploring key lessons on part-time working, from managers’ experiences of using flexible furlough
For Members
Bitesize research
Surviving remotely: The impact of remote working on employee wellbeing and work behaviours
How job control and loneliness during a forced shift to remote work impacted employee work behaviours and wellbeing
For Members
Bitesize research
Can remote working close the disability employment gap?
Despite the advantages of increased home-working, people with disabilities are still missing out
For Members
Bitesize research
An accessible overview of remote working
This book review from Jonny Gifford summarises the authors’ thorough but accessible overview of remote working and why it’s probably here to stay.
For Members
Bitesize research
Lessons learned from hybrid working
As increasing numbers of organisations make the transition into hybrid working, what can they learn from those that are more experienced?
For Members
Bitesize research
Anytime, anyplace, anywhere – technology and hybrid working
Why people professionals need a deeper understanding of technology’s impact on people’s working lives
For Members
Bitesize research
Homeworking: A gendered career issue?
Flexible working arrangements challenge gender stereotypes of women in the workplace
For Members
Bitesize research
What does true flexibility look like?
Translating policy into practice to ensure that flexible and hybrid working is a win-win for employers and employees
For Members
Bitesize research
What’s the key to successful homeworking?
Lessons learned from COVID-19 find that with the right levels of trust and autonomy, productivity and creativity can thrive
For Members
Bitesize research
What works in hybrid working?
Lessons from research into virtual teams
For Members
Bitesize research
How to create the invisible glue that binds a team together
Proactively establishing a psychologically safe work environment is crucial for virtual or hybrid working teams
For Members
Bitesize research
What have we learned from the rapid shift to homeworking?
Despite many challenges, the pandemic has helped organisations become more flexible and robust
For Members
Bitesize research
Reducing stress and burnout for remote workers
The importance of good quality management practices in reducing stress and burnout while working from home
For Members
Bitesize research
Getting the balance right: Managing home and work boundaries
How workers can use a range of physical and psychological tactics to keep work and home life as separate as possible
For Members
Bitesize research
Tomorrow’s office: A social but productive hub
The office of the future will be a hybrid one: designed for ‘human moments’ and enhanced by technology to support remote working and collaboration
For Members
Bitesize research
Promoting healthy emotions and high psychological safety for home workers
Identifying good HR practices to maximise the effectiveness of homeworking
For Members
Bitesize research
Can we ever justify monitoring remote workers?
Assessing the pros and cons of surveillance software, and how HR teams should and shouldn’t use it
For Members
Bitesize research
Is familiarity the key to successful virtual teams?
Getting to know each other on a professional and personal level boosts team performance
For Members
Bitesize research
Changing our minds about work
The pandemic has shifted mindsets on long established assumptions about remote working, employee wellbeing and career attitudes
For Members
Bitesize research
Five steps to effectively leading virtual teams
Keeping teams productive whilst working remotely
For Members
Bitesize research
Flexible working for working carers
Supporting those balancing work and care
For Members
Bitesize research
Homeworking and team performance
The impact of team homeworking on performance
For Members
Bitesize research
Do employees work harder when working flexibly?
The impact of flexible working practices on work effort
For Members
Bitesize research
Does flexible working make for happier workers?
This article explores the effect of flexible work on employee attitudes
For Members
Bitesize research
Work-life balance among women of African origin
Explore this case study-driven research
For Members
Bitesize research
Benefits and challenges of flexible working
Explore current experiences of flexible working
For Members
Bitesize research
Understanding remote working and employee wellbeing
Explores the impact of remote working on employee wellbeing
For Members

CIPD Viewpoints

Our collected point of view on the key issues impacting work, from the perspective of employers and policy makers.

One CIPD Viewpoint about Flexible and hybrid working
CIPD Viewpoint
Flexible working uptake
Explore the CIPD’s point of view on flexible working, including recommendations for employers

Policy engagements

Our calls for action.

Four Policy engagements about Flexible and hybrid working
Policy engagement
A code of practice to reflect shifting attitudes to flexible working
Read our response to Acas’ consultation on handling requests for flexible working
Policy engagement
The right to request remote working in Ireland
Read our submission to the Workplace Relations Commission's consultation on the right to request remote working
Policy engagement
Good work plan: proposals to support families – transparency of flexible working and family related leave and pay policies
Read the CIPD's submission to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy
Policy engagement
Good work plan: one-sided flexibility – addressing unfair flexible working practices
Read the CIPD's submission to the Department for Business, Energy and Industrial Strategy

Learning

We offer a range of evidence-based courses tauilored to suit you and your needs.
Our Essential Insights courses are free as part of the CIPD membership.

Hybrid Working Essential Insights

Prepare for flexible working demands by understanding the physical considerations, culture shifts and benefits of effective hybrid working.

Hybrid Working Introductory Programme

Recognise how hybrid working can be implemented successfully and explain the associated impact on the organisation and employee experience.

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