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Operational barriers to flexible working

Anna

Social Enterprise Timewise has just set up an Innovation Unit with the intention of breaking down 'specific operational barriers' to flexible working that exist in some sectors.

I'm curious: do you work in a sector that has specific operational barriers which get in the way of offering flexible working?  If so which sector are you in? And what are those barriers?

Please share your experience.

Parents
  • I work in a school. While I'm trying to break down some of barriers to flexibility here that are to do with mindset, the challenge is real in relation to making genuine flexibility work in practice. The nature of the school day, timetabling (a proper art-form), and the need for consistent pastoral care across the week, combine to mean that flexible working in teaching roles is the exception rather than the norm.
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  • I work in a school. While I'm trying to break down some of barriers to flexibility here that are to do with mindset, the challenge is real in relation to making genuine flexibility work in practice. The nature of the school day, timetabling (a proper art-form), and the need for consistent pastoral care across the week, combine to mean that flexible working in teaching roles is the exception rather than the norm.
Children
  • in reply to Nina Waters
    Hi Nina
    Do you work in a primary or a secondary school? I'm a governor at a primary school and we have certainly embraced flexible working requests - we have a high proportion of job share teachers and it has worked really well. We've retained good teachers, particularly after maternity leave, the children get the benefit of two different skill sets and approaches and it means that we rarely need to rely on supply cover as usually the job share partner is able to come in and cover if needed. We have found as time has moved on that several of these teachers have now made the move back to full time in leadership roles, so we really have benefited.

    Kind regards
    Jackie
  • in reply to Jacqueline
    Hi Jackie,

    I agree - and am similarly a governor at a primary school where it's certainly helped keep some fantastic teachers in post.

    My job however is at a secondary school, so timetabling is a lot more complicated - as subjects are blocked together, so one teacher with reduced day commitments for example impacts on when those lessons can be timetabled for all the other teachers of that subject. Job shares can work, but more individual flexibility is trickier.

    I do think there's an "it's complicated" barrier that needs to be overcome, but there are real logistical issues here too.

    Nina
  • in reply to Nina Waters
    I know schools are one area where progress in offering more flexibility has been made over the past few years Nina. As you say there are logistical issues and also retention benefits. (I believe there is a shortage of teachers at present?)

    I've recently come across these people who are promoting flexible working in teaching: https://returntoteach.co.uk/