𝗜𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀?

𝗜𝗻 𝗮𝗻 𝗶𝗻𝘁𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄 𝗽𝗿𝗼𝗰𝗲𝘀𝘀 𝘄𝗵𝗲𝗻 𝗶𝘀 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗿𝗶𝗴𝗵𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗿𝗲𝗾𝘂𝗲𝘀𝘁 𝗳𝗹𝗲𝘅𝗶𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗶𝗻 𝘄𝗼𝗿𝗸𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗿𝘀?

I've had two examples this week when candidates at offer stage have brought up the need for flexibility: One requested time out on Fridays for religious reasons and the other worked a 4 day week in her current role. The first one was resolved with the client changing the working hours in the offer letter to suit both parties, whilst the second client offered a 4.5 day week with a slightly higher salary to get the offer over the line.

The "right" time to request flexibility in working hours during an interview process depends on a few factors. You could argue that the best time to bring up flexibility is after you have received a job offer.

Here's why:

You have leverage: Once they've decided they want to hire you, you're in a stronger negotiating position. They are invested in you and are more likely to consider your request to avoid losing you.

However, by leaving it to the offer stage there is a risk of de-railing it altogether.

If flexibility is a non-negotiable for you: If you absolutely cannot take the job without a certain level of flexibility, it's better to bring it up earlier rather than later to avoid wasting everyone's time. A good time might be during the initial conversation with the recruiter. Frame it as a question about the company's general approach to work-life balance or if flexible arrangements are common.

Also, if the interviewer discusses team working styles or company culture in a way that naturally leads to the topic of work arrangements, you can ask clarifying questions about flexibility.

How to approach the conversation:

 • Express your enthusiasm for the role first: Make it clear that you are excited about the opportunity and believe you are a strong fit.
 • Frame it as a question, not a demand: Use phrases like, "I was wondering about the possibility of some flexibility in working hours..." or "Could you tell me more about the team's typical work arrangements?"
 • Be specific but also flexible: Clearly state your needs but also show a willingness to be flexible and understand the company's requirements. Explain how your proposed arrangement would still allow you to effectively perform your duties and contribute to the team.
 • Focus on mutual benefit: If possible, explain how the flexibility could benefit you and potentially the company (e.g., increased focus, better work-life balance leading to higher productivity).
 • Be prepared for different answers: The company might be very open, somewhat flexible, or not at all. Be prepared to have an open discussion and understand their perspective.

Simon Owens, Director, Kaizen Talent Solutions simon@kaizen-ts.co.uk