Flexible Working: How to Implement Flexibility in the Workplace

In this review of Flexible Working: How to Implement Flexibility in the Workplace to Improve Employee and Business Performance, the bottom line is clear: this is a practical, practitioner-focused guide for HR professionals looking to build or refine flexible working policies. Gemma Dale writes with a strong emphasis on usable process and communication, and the book's single biggest reason to buy is its focus on translating flexible working principles into concrete policies and manager training that support both employees and business objectives.

Key Features

• Practical policy guidance: Explains how to develop effective flexibility policies that align with organisational needs and legal expectations.
• Manager training focus: Provides clear advice on how to communicate and train line managers so they can implement flexible arrangements fairly.
• Employee-centred approach: Shows how flexibility can meet diverse employee needs across ages and family circumstances, improving retention.
• Business-aligned strategy: Balances employee desires for flexible hours with operational performance and business goals.
• Evidence-informed rationale: Uses workforce trends, such as millennials prioritising flexibility, to justify policy decisions.

Who It's For

This book is aimed primarily at HR practitioners, people managers and internal policy makers who need a hands-on guide to designing and rolling out flexible working arrangements. It suits those wanting step-by-step approaches to policy development, manager guidance and overcoming organisational barriers.

Those looking for academic theory, exhaustive case studies or a high-level leadership manifesto on future of work trends may want a broader strategic text; this title is strongest as an operational HR manual rather than a long-form research volume.

Pros & Cons

Pros

• Concrete, actionable advice for building and communicating flexible working policies.
• Practical focus on training line managers to make fair decisions and support employees.
• Addresses diverse employee needs across ages and life stages, supporting retention efforts.

Cons

• Not a comprehensive academic treatise, so readers seeking deep empirical research may find it concise.

Specifications

Our Verdict

Flexible Working is a useful, value-for-money manual for HR teams who need practical steps to implement flexible work arrangements. Its emphasis on policy development and manager training makes it especially helpful for organisations ready to move from intention to implementation, though those seeking deep academic analysis may prefer a different title.

Frequently Asked Questions

Does this book include manager training guidance?
Yes. It specifically covers how to communicate and train line managers on flexible working practices.

Who benefits most from reading this book?
HR practitioners and people managers looking for practical policy and implementation advice benefit most.

Is this more strategic or operational?
It is primarily operational, focused on actionable policy, processes and overcoming barriers to flexible working.