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NGĀ WHAKARITENGA NGĀWARI E AUNOA ANA MŌ TE MAHI Guidance: Flexible-Work-by-Default

  1. Section 01
    Summary of flexible-by-default key messages
  2. Section 02
    Introduction
  3. Section 03
    The impact of the covid-19 response
  4. Section 04
    Principles that underpin a flexible-by-default approach
  5. Section 05
    There is a wide range of flexible working options
  6. Section 06
    Four-stage approach to shifting to flexible-by-default
    1. 6.1
      A: Agencies explore their current State
    2. 6.2
      B: Design
    3. 6.3
      C: Implement
    4. 6.4
      D: Monitor and review progress
  7. Section 07
    Part two - Flexible-Work-by-Default Guidance and Resources
  8. Section 08
    Resource 1 - Case studies of flexible-by-default in practice
  9. Section 09
    Resource 2 - Flexible working options
  10. Section 10
    Resource 3 - The benefits of flexible working
  11. Section 11
    Resource 4 - Establishing formal and informal flexible working arrangements
  12. Section 12
    Resource 5 - Agency self-assessment tool
  13. Section 13
    Resource 6 - Example communication objectives and key messages
  14. Section 14
    Resource 7 - Common questions, concerns and responses
  15. Section 15
    Resource 8 - Flexible working challenges and suggestions for addressing these
  16. Section 16
    Resource 9 - Tips for leaders, managers, employees and teams
  17. Section 17
    Resource 10 - Addressing health and safety, and information security and privacy
  18. Section 18
    References and further reading
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This is an overview of some of the more common types of flexible working. Most of these can be combined e.g. a person working part time may also vary the hours they work on any given day or work some days remotely.

Flexi-time

Options that allow employees to vary their work hours or days either on a regular basis or from time to time

  • Flexible start and finish times i.e. variable start and/or finish times are worked on a regular or as-needs basis
  • Swapping workdays or hours with non-work hours or days
  • Part-time hours
  • Compressed week or fortnight e. f/t employees work longer days over a 4-day week or 9-day fortnight
  • Flexible shifts – full time or part time
  • Fixed shifts –full time or part time
  • Combination of fixed shifts and flexible shifts - full time or part time

Flexi-leave

Options that allow employees to vary their leave patterns to create more flexibility

  • Leave without pay
  • Trading leave for salary
  • Term-time working e. working during school terms and taking leave during holidays
  • Other types of leave e.g. study leave, special leave

Flexi-place

Options that allow employees to work from locations other than their designated workplace

  • Remote working e.g. working from another office or from home, regularly or from time-to-time
  • Remote working – part time
  • Remote working – full time

Flexi-role/career

Options that allow employees to manage their roles and careers more flexibly

  • Phased return to work i.e. employees gradually increase their hours on returning from long-term leave
  • Phased retirement i.e. employees gradually reduce their hours as they approach retirement
  • Seasonal working i.e. to cover busy periods
  • Job sharing i.e. splitting a role with another employee
  • Taking career breaks
  1. Section 08
    Resource 1 - Case studies of flexible-by-default in practice
  2. Section 10
    Resource 3 - The benefits of flexible working