The world of work has changed, and for many, the dream of a better work-life balance hinges on one question: how to get hybrid working approved by their employer. With many companies now mandating a return to the office, securing a hybrid arrangement can feel like an uphill battle. However, since April 2024, employees in the UK have had even stronger rights to request flexibility. Hybrid working — a mix of remote and on-site work — is a form of flexible working, and knowing how to navigate this process is the key to unlocking it.
Whether you are in a new job or looking to change your current pattern, this guide provides the strategies and expert tips you need to successfully secure a hybrid working arrangement.
If you want to know more about flexible working you can read our guide.
You can also submit a flexible working requests in minutes using our Flexi Worker webapp.
Understand Your Rights and Company Policy
Before you make your move, you need to know the rules of the game. In the UK, all employees have the legal right to make a flexible working request from the first day of their employment. You are entitled to make two requests in any 12-month period, and your employer must deal with your request within two months.
Your employer can only refuse a request for one of eight specific business reasons, such as the burden of additional costs or a detrimental impact on quality or performance.
Start by reviewing your company's existing policies. Look for a Flexible Working Policy or a Hybrid Working Policy on your company intranet or HR portal. Some organisations distinguish between the two; for example, some universities manage formal flexible working requests under one policy, while informal location-based arrangements are handled under a separate hybrid policy. Knowing this distinction will help you choose the right path.
Plan Your Request: The Business Case is King
When figuring out how to get hybrid working approved, the most common mistake employees make is focusing only on what they want. To convince a manager, you must speak their language: outcomes and business benefits.
Frame the conversation around productivity. Explain how a hybrid schedule will allow you to have deeper focus for complex tasks at home, while ensuring you are in the office for collaboration and team meetings. If you are applying for a new job, be upfront during the interview process. Ask questions about their culture and how they measure performance. If you are an existing employee, come with a straightforward plan. Outline the specific days you propose to be in the office versus at home and explain how this schedule will help you hit your goals and collaborate better.
The Formal Route: Making a Statutory Request
If an informal chat doesn't work, or if your company requires it, you will need to make a formal statutory request. This is a formal process that legally obligates your employer to consider your request properly.
You should usually submit this in writing. Many employers provide a flexible working request form to ensure you provide all the necessary information. In your application, be clear about the change you are asking for. You can request more than one change at a time. For instance, you might ask to work from home three days a week — and adopt flexible start and finish times on those days.
Once submitted, your employer must arrange a consultation meeting to discuss the details, especially if they are considering a refusal. This is your opportunity to reiterate your plan and address any concerns they might have.
Consider a Trial Period
If your manager is hesitant or unsure whether hybrid work will function for your specific role, propose a trial period. This is a low-risk way to test assumptions and see what actually improves. A trial period allows both you and your employer to implement the requested pattern and assess its suitability for the long term.
During this trial, focus on the metrics. Show that your output remains high (or improves), that you are still available for collaboration during "core hours," and that customer or stakeholder needs are being met. When managers see proof that results are strong regardless of location, their concerns about loss of control often disappear.
Address Manager Fears: Accountability and Fairness
One of the biggest barriers to how to get hybrid working approved is a manager's fear of losing control or a perceived lack of fairness among the team. Reassure them by showing how you will remain accountable.
Explain how you will make your outputs measurable and ensure your visibility to the team. You should also acknowledge the need for fairness. If your role requires occasional in-person meetings, confirm that you will attend them. If your employer is worried about setting a precedent, discuss how your role's specific tasks (like focused, solo work) make it uniquely suited for a hybrid setup.
If you have a disability, remember that you have additional rights. You can make a flexible working request — or request a "reasonable adjustment" under the Equality Act 2010 — which your employer has a legal duty to consider.
Leverage Technology and Show You're Ready
Finally, demonstrate that you are ready for the logistical shift. Hybrid work relies heavily on technology. Reassure your employer that you have a suitable workspace, reliable internet, and a handle on the digital tools the company uses for collaboration, such as Slack, Microsoft Teams, or project management software.
By showing that you have considered not just what you want, but how it will work in practice, you transform your request from a personal perk into a well-thought-out business proposal.
Conclusion
Securing a hybrid working arrangement is about preparation, communication, and a focus on outcomes. By understanding your legal rights, building a solid business case, and addressing your employer's operational needs, you can successfully navigate the process. Whether you opt for an informal chat or a statutory request, remember that hybrid work is a collaboration. The goal is to forge a strategy that meets your needs while ensuring you remain a productive and connected part of the team.
If you want to know more about flexible working you can read our guide.
You can also submit a flexible working requests in minutes using our Flexi Worker webapp.