Flexible Working Request Letter

What is a flexible working request letter?

A flexible working request letter is a formal HR document that helps employees to ask to change existing working hours. This is an official legal notice that could be used by all types of employees (e.g., remote workers, fixed-term, or permanent employees).

A flexible working request letter should contain the following important details:

• employee’s name, job title, and address;
• employee’s signature and a letter’s date;
• reason for flexible working request;
• period of time for which a working schedule should be changed; and
• other additional information.

Every employee or worker who has a current employment contract can send this letter to request flexible working hours. Neither federal nor state laws define the list of specific reasons or circumstances in which an employee may apply for flexible hours.

A flexible working request process differs depending on a company. Therefore, it is always recommended to check a company’s handbook or other internal policies to learn more about the process itself. In some cases, employers may establish the list of limited circumstances in which an employee may apply for flexible working hours.

An employee may need flexible working request changes in either of the following situations:

• change from full-time to part-time hours;
• flexible hours for a few days in a week;
• working from home with flexible hours for a few days per week;
• compressed hours (i.e., working more hours during fewer days in a week), etc.

It is vital to clarify the reason for the flexible working request in detail to help an employer better understand the situation and the employee’s needs.

How to Write a Letter for Flexible Working Hours?

Writing a clear, well-structured, flexible working request letter is essential to ensure clear communication between an employee and employer. Below we prepared the list of mandatory elements a good flexible working request letter sample should have:

Employee’s details

Once the letter is sent, an employer should be able to easily understand the identity of an employee who sends such a letter. Therefore, it is advisable to include the following details:

• employee’s full name and address;
• contact details and job titles;
• the name of a department where an employee currently works (for big companies only).
• the period of time an employee works for a company.

Employer’s details

A flexible working request letter sample is an example of official communication between a business and their employees. Thus, the letter should contain details of the employer as well:

• name and address of employer;
• if the employer is a company, the name of a director, CEO, or head of HR to whom this letter is addressed.

Details of flexible arrangement

A reason for a flexible working request plays a crucial role, even though their inclusion is not required by state laws. An employee should include the following additional information:

• period of time for which the flexible hours should be established;
• details of the new working schedule (if available);
• details of a place from where an employee wishes to work (e.g., from home or the office).

Sign and send

For a flexible working request letter to become a legally binding document, it should be signed by an employee. It is recommended to check an employer’s internal policies and guidelines to find out how such a letter should be sent. A flexible working request process may require an employee to send the letter:

• by mail;
• by email;
• to deliver in person to the head of the HR department, etc.

Get your customized flexible working request letter template at Faster Draft

You can create a customized template of a flexible working request letter in just a few minutes. Follow the simple steps below:

• Press the button “Create Document”;
• Answer a few questions in the questionnaire;
• Select a format: Flexible working request letter PDF or flexible working request letter template Word;
• Make a payment;
• Your personalized template is ready for download.