Our experience over the last 20 years has shown us that flexible working and other work-life balance arrangements are not only appropriate for small and medium-sized businesses, but can also bring enormous benefits.

During that time we have built up a wealth of knowledge about how using work-life balance policies and practices can reduce staff sickness and absence, tackle skills shortages and encourage staff retention.

Rather than try to convince you ourselves, we would like to share with you the experience and opinions of some of the SMEs we've spoken to recently. They are all convinced of the real business and personal benefits of employee flexible working.

We would also like to share our expertise with you through our series of free factsheets designed specifically to address the more common issues faced by SMEs.

And, since both employment legislation and good practice continue to develop, we would like to encourage you to become a corporate member of Working Families. In addition to accessing a network of 350+ employers already familiar with the competitive advantages of having work-life balance policies and procedures, we will also provide you with opportunities for keeping abreast of developments in timely and cost effective ways.

Guidance pages

Flexible Working and Small Employers
This page sets out the experience and opinions of some SME employers and employees and links - at relevant points - to all the other guidance pages and checklists

Ground Rules for Flexible Working

Business Benefits of Flexible Working

Responding to the 'Right to Request' Legislation

How negotiate with employees

Flexible Working Options

Factsheets

Downloadable Checklists

Responding to a request for flexible or part-time working

Evaluating a request for flexible or part-time working

Responding to a request for home working

Help with PDF Files

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