Job role: Sustainable Labs Manager, Sustainability & Environmental Management, Estates Directorate.
Finding out about the opportunity for flexible working or agile working
When applying for her previous part-time role of Sustainable Laboratory Coordinator, Ruby found out about the opportunity from the job advert, which stated “21 hours to be agreed”. As such, Ruby knew she could agree her hours with her manager.
Reason for making the request
The new role of Sustainable Laboratory Coordinator was introduced as a trial, on a fixed-term basis for six months, where flexibility was part of the trial. Now that Ruby has been promoted to Sustainable Lab Manager, she continues to work flexibly (working part-time), where she has an agile working agreement in place with her line manager, allowing her to change her hours.
Working pattern
When Ruby began her initial role, she worked her 21 hours across Monday, Tuesday, and Friday. Doing so allowed her to write up her PhD thesis, deliver work objectives and attend work-based meetings, and balance the needs of another part-time teaching role.
In her promoted position, she chooses her hours and days of work on a weekly basis where, sometimes, she can maintain the same pattern for months at a time, and at other times she can change her pattern to meet changing demands. However, in general, she usually works a full day Monday, Tuesday and Friday and gives her teammates two weeks’ notice when making a change.
Benefits of flexible working to Ruby
Working part-time, with an agile working arrangement, helps Ruby balance work with being a mum, allowing her to drop off her baby at nursery and pick her up at the end of the day. It is important for Ruby to be able to say goodbye to her baby daughter in the morning and be available for her kids when they need her, so her arrangement supports her family life and her own wellbeing. In addition, having the flexibility of being able to choose her hours, allowed Ruby to pick up other jobs in the past, including her teaching role, which she really enjoyed. Her working arrangement also allows time for Ruby to pursue her hobbies, including hill walking and gardening.
Being a happy, satisfied employee means that I am engaged at work, so my mind isn’t on my kids, or whatever, so just being able to be more focused, enthusiastic and giving it my all is good for me and the University.
Benefits of flexible working to the University
Being able to balance work with her own needs means that Ruby is happier, more engaged, and more productive when at work.
Advice to staff who may be considering flexible or agile working
Ruby explained that it is important to be clear when considering why an agile or flexible working arrangement would be good for staff and their department.
Final thoughts
From Ruby’s perspective, agile or flexible working can definitely be a positive move for those who need time for themselves or time to do something else; it’s going to make them happier and it’s good for their wellbeing.
