Flexible Working Examples for Professionals
Ten2Two exclusively supports experienced professionals in finding flexible part-time jobs or flexible work that meets their work, career and family needs. We understand your situation and your need to balance family and work or simply work more flexibly.
What examples of flexible working are there?
Here’s some examples of the most frequently used part-time and flexible formats that we see at our recruitment agency. Keep in mind your fixed personal or family commitments. For example, school drop off/pick up may restrict the hours you can work each day, and the distance from home (or the school) you can work. Think about how many hours a week you want to work, when you want to work during the week and how far you want to travel to an office or if you prefer to work from home :
| Format | Example | Our Opinion |
| Part-time week | 3 full days per week, 9.00am to 5.30pm | If circumstances allow, many people like to work several full-days to ‘get their teeth into the job’ |
| Part-time days | Reduced daily hours, 5 days per week e.g. 9.00am-3.00pm | Perfect when you have school drop off and pick up commitments |
| Job-share | Sharing a role between two people, e.g. split 3 days and 2 days per week | Ideal when the employer requires full-time hours but the incumbent wants to move to part-time |
| Nine-day fortnight | Working full days but 9 days instead of 10 over a fortnight | Offers some time off every fortnight but allows you to commit to ‘virtual full-time’ |
| Condensed hours | Full-time hours condensed into four longer days | Allows you to work full-time hours and get full-time salary with time off every week |
| Staggered Hours | Full-time hours over different times, i.e. 7am-3pm | Great when you want to drop off or pick up – or avoid the commuting rush |
| Short term/medium term contracts | To cover specific fixed term projects or roles | When you’ve got skills that are needed in blocks. Can be worked full or part-time |
| Working from home/Remote working | Some or all of the role can be worked from home | When jobs can be worked remotely – not all can so consider part of the week from home if you’re keen |
| Local job – Zero / Reduced travel | Full-time working but employee saves many commuting hours per week through working locally | Full-time but might save up to 10 hours a week commuting – can be life-changing |
| Freelance | Offering your service or skills by the hour/day/project | Offers variety and flexibility for people with creative skills like designers and writers |
Watch our recent survey of our 2,500 facebook community members to find out more about flexible working attitudes and beliefs in 2020.
Can I make a flexible working request?
If you’re already working full-time and you’re keen to stay with your employer, you can request flexible working in your current role. The regulations changed in June 2014 so here are a couple of places you can check out the process:
ACAS always provide solid, up to date guidance. You’ll find guidance on making a request and a copy of the code of practice employers should follow when handling a request
GOV.CO.UK provides a simple step by step process for requesting flexible working.
When should I consider flexible working ?
There are many situations in which flexible and part-time working can help you fulfil both your professional career and personal lifestyle needs. This is especially true if you’re returning to work after having kids or if you’ve had a career break.
“I want to continue my career and use my skills but work fewer hours…”
Your Situation
You may be considering a return to work after a career break or opting out of full-time hours. But either way, you want – or need – to work reduced hours. And one of your overriding needs is to continue your career path in your chosen profession.
The Flexible Fix = Part-time professional
Every month, more businesses turn to flexible or part-time employees to affordably meet the needs of their business. So there are opportunities for you to meet both your career and personal needs and become a part time or flexible professional.
“I want to use my skills but perhaps not at the level I used to be…”
Your Situation
Perhaps you’ve been out of the workplace for a few years? Or maybe you’re looking for a rewarding role, but without the stresses and long hours that came with your previous roles.
The Flexible Fix = Step-back professional
Many businesses – especially younger, growing companies – need experienced professionals to support and administer their organisation. You might want to use your experience and organisational skills in an administrative role that uses your knowledge of finance, marketing or HR.
“I’m happy to do full-time hours but really need some flexibility…”
Your Situation
You’re still able or want to work full-time hours, but some job flexibility in your working pattern would make life a little easier. Perhaps in your existing job or if you’re looking for something new.
The Flexible Fix = Flexible Full-Time
Staggered hours (e.g. starting early and finishing early), compressed hours (e.g. full-time hours worked in four days) or working from home (eliminating the commute) might just be the solution for you. Many employers will offer this type of flexibility when they know full-time hours can be fulfilled.
“I’d like the flexibility offered by contract work rather than commit to long-term permanent employment…”
Your Situation
Your skills and experience are very valuable and in demand. You like taking on chunky, busy projects but you’d still like some job flexibility. Maybe you haven’t got day-to-day restrictions on your time, but occasionally some longer periods of time off would help.
The Flexible Fix = Contract Professional
Many professionals offer their professional services on fixed-term contracts (full or part-time hours). Perhaps it’s a project within a business that needs additional or specialist skills or cover for an absent employee. One, three or six month projects are common, and you can be ‘employed’ on a contract or work through your own Limited Company.
“I’d like to use my higher level expertise and experience to help a business grow…”
Your Situation
You may have reached the top of the tree, and you’re keen to use the considerable management experience or specialist skills you’ve spent years developing.
The Flexible Fix = Non-Executive Support and Mentoring
Working with a senior team or senior executive to provide high-level business guidance and support might be the solution. Working informally as a business mentor or more formally as a Non-Executive Director (NED) to one or more companies that can use your skills to the fullest. From a day or two a month, to a few hours every week, you can give value to your client whilst achieving the job flexibility you need.
“I’m a creative professional. I want variety from different projects but I want real flexibility in my working week and employment status…”
Your Situation
You’ve probably had a career as a graphic designer, web developer, journalist or editor working within an agency, media company or publisher. But now you want the ability to determine your own schedule and perhaps build a business of your own.
The Flexible Fix = Freelance Creative
Freelancing is one of the most popular ways of offering creative skills – there are nearly 1.5m freelancers in the UK. Set yourself up in self-employment. Or if you’re more ambitious, set up a Limited Company – some clients need this for tax purposes. Offer your creative skills to clients on an hourly, daily or project basis. You’ll need to build a portfolio of past work and start networking with past contacts and local businesses.