Are you thinking about adopting an agile or hybrid working pattern? We've created a toolkit to help you

The restrictions imposed during the COVID-19 pandemic changed the way many office-based staff work.

Some workers are keen to get back to working in their office. But many don't want to be tied to their workplace, five days a week, when they've demonstrated that can work perfectly adequately away from it.

Organisations are having a major rethink about how they want their workplaces to function in the long term. Many are considering introducing agile and hybrid working patterns to give staff the option of combining working from home with going into the office. 

The government continues to advise people to work from home where they can. The expectation is that this will change when Step 4 of the roadmap is introduced, now expected on 19 July 2021. But this will be informed by the government's review of social distancing measures. 

Even if restrictions are lifted on that date, many organisations won't want staff to return to work en masse, particularly if the infection rates continue to increase. 

Our toolkits

Agile/hybrid working toolkit

We've designed a practical toolkit to help organisations plan for and embed agile or hybrid working for all or some of their staff. It contains:

• A detailed checklist of issues you need to consider before deciding on and implementing a policy
• Precedent agile / hybrid working policy which you can adapt for your organisation
• Precedent contractual clauses covering: changes to working arrangements, data protection, insurance, expenses, health and safety and more 
• Letter to staff introducing the hybrid working policy and explaining how to apply
• FAQs on agile/hybrid working and flexible working which explains some of the trickier issues such as where is the employees place of work

The pack costs £450 plus VAT and is exceptional value for money. 

We’re so confident of this that if you’re not entirely satisfied that the pack gives you value for money, we’ll give you your money back. 

Flexible working toolkit

Bear in mind that anyone who asks to work in an agile or hybrid way may, technically, also be making an application for flexible working under the statutory scheme set out in the Employment Rights Act 1996. To help explain how flexible working interacts with hybrid or agile models of working, we've produced another toolkit which contains:

• Flexible working flowchart which explains what to do and the timescales that apply
• Flexible working policy which you can adopt for your organisation
• Guidance on flexible working and a suite of 13 letters to help you respond to requests
• FAQs on flexible working and agile/hybrid working

The pack costs £450 plus VAT. However, if you purchase the agile/hybrid working toolkit, you can buy both for £700 plus VAT - a saving of £200. If you're not entirely satisfied that these packs give you value for money, we'll give you your money back.

These toolkits are free of charge to our IMHR plus clients. Please speak to your usual advisor if you'd like copies.

How to purchase the toolkits

It couldn't be easier. All you need to do is email Gordon Rodham or Jenny Arrowsmith

“We know from speaking with our senior HR clients that most organisations are looking at this to some extent, and that it's both a practical and strategic move. Benefits to hybrid or flexible working can include better productivity, retention, attraction, engagement and more effective implementation of employee wellbeing initiatives.
It’s not right for everyone or all organisations. An important next step is to have a policy which sets out your position for how requests can be made, and the expectations of those working in this way. It’s also important to think about the longer-term practical implications and take steps to manage these”. Jenny Arrowsmith, Partner”