Turn your approach to flexible working into a policy managers can actually use

The usual problem is inconsistency. One manager may allow informal changes quickly, while another may insist on a more rigid process, leaving staff unsure what the business actually offers. Over time that can create confusion about eligibility, timing, trial periods, review points and the reasons decisions are made. A written policy helps create a shared process across the business. It also gives managers a practical reference point when requests involve customer-facing roles, shift coverage, team coordination or confidentiality issues linked to working from different locations.

A flexible work policy will often cover the types of arrangements the business may consider, who can request them, how a request should be made, what information should be provided, how decisions are assessed and how outcomes are communicated. It may also deal with trial periods, review dates, attendance expectations, homeworking issues, equipment use and confidentiality where relevant. The exact content depends on your workplace. A business with shift-based roles, for example, may need different wording from a business where most staff work in office-based or hybrid roles.

We look at how work is actually organised across the business. That can include whether some staff work fixed shifts, whether certain roles need on-site presence, whether flexibility is mainly about hours or location, and whether existing contracts or handbook documents already deal with related issues. The practical working model can be just as important as the contract wording, so the policy should fit the way requests are likely to arise in practice. In some businesses, one policy can apply across the board. In others, clearer role-based distinctions are needed.

A template can be a useful starting point, but it may not reflect the pressure points in your own workplace. Small teams often have less room to absorb ad hoc arrangements, and unclear wording can create friction quickly where coverage, customer demand or supervision needs are tight. A tailored policy can set out the forms of flexibility you are prepared to consider and the process managers should follow when requests come in. That can be more useful than a broad template that says little about how decisions are made in your business.

Not always. Whether one policy can sensibly cover different worker groups depends on the working arrangement, the documents already in place and the factual context. Employees and contractors may sit under different contractual frameworks and may not be managed in the same way day to day. If your business wants one policy to speak to multiple groups, the wording needs to be handled carefully so it does not create confusion about status, entitlements or process. We can help shape the policy around the structure you actually use.

Working with us is simple. Start by submitting an enquiry through our website using the form at the top of this page or on our Get Started page. A legal project manager will review your enquiry within 1 business day and reach out to understand your needs.

They'll send you a fixed fee quote outlining costs, scope, and timing. If you're happy, you can accept and sign our engagement letter online. Once that's done, we'll connect you with an expert lawyer who will complete your project via email, phone, or video chat, with the timing confirmed in your quote.

If you're not looking for help with a specific matter, explore our platform, which offers free templates, tools to get your business set up, and even a free tier to get started. Whether you need legal support or just want to browse resources, we've got you covered.

At Sprintlaw, our pricing is transparent and designed for startups and small businesses. Many one-off legal services, including document drafting and reviews, are provided for a fixed fee with an upfront quote before you proceed.

Prices typically range from £100 to £1,500 depending on the complexity and scope of the work. For ongoing support, Sprintlaw Memberships include options such as legal templates, consultations, a legal helpline and credits for services.

If your project is larger or more complex, we will provide a tailored quote after understanding what you need.

Sprintlaw UK operates fully virtually, with the team working online across the UK to provide support to startups and small businesses nationwide. Many of our team are based in London and often meet at co-working offices, but our operations remain fully digital, ensuring flexibility and efficiency for both our clients and team.