2. Increasing sustainability by making flexible work, work. Malcolm Boswell 20 th April 2012 mboswell@acas.org.uk

3. Smarter working – getting the right result. The benefits. Types of smarter working. Moving to smarter working. Legal considerations. The disadvantages.

4. The benefits of smarter working.  Reduced accommodation footprint.  Less travel to work.  Less travel at peak times.  Improved work-life balance.  A wider selection pool.

5. Which results in:  More engaged workforce.  Employer of choice.  Improved Health and Wellbeing  Reduced absence and labour turnover  GREATER PRODUCTIVITY AT LOWER COST.

6. Types of smarter working  Smarter working is not new!  Flexi time.  Compressed hours/annualised hours.  Remote working.  Home working.

7. Moving to smarter working.  Is it for you?  Assess the cost benefits – be realistic.  Think outside the box.  Take advantage of new technology.  Communication and employee involvement are key.

8. Moving to smarter working.  Sell the benefits – address the fears  Secure buy in from managers and employees.  Consult and be flexible.  Buy in the change – stagger the change  Communicate, consult and keep voluntary.

9. Legal considerations.  Information and Consultation requirements.  Redundancy - Sec 188 Notices  Change of contract – constructive dismissal  Collective implications.  Direct or indirect discrimination.  Transfer Regs – variation of contract

10. Legal considerations. >Health and Safety. >Negligence – Duty of Care/Confidentiality. >Working Time Regulations. >Tax implications.

11. The disadvantages.  It is not a no cost option – legal implications.  IT capacity – start up and ongoing support.  Two tier workforce can cause resentment.  Office based workers deal with enquiries.  Effect on absence procedures.

12. The disadvantages.  Performance management.  Bringing individuals back in – a two way issue.  Isolation – stress related issues.  Knowledge exchange/Social networking.  Dampens desire for progression/development.

13. and finally  Not all people are suited to working from home.  Not all homes are suitable to work from.  We trust those we can monitor the least.  Seek advice before you act.  Needs commitment from the top.

14. Seek advice. Local Acas Adviser www.acas.org.uk Helpline: 08457 47 47 47 Smarter Working Initiative Employers Associations etc.