How flex codes work
A flex code is four numbers. Each number shows how much flexibility is needed, or offered, on one part of a job.
Two kinds of code
Your personal flex code. You answer four questions about the minimum flexibility you need from a job. The code says what you need, never why.
A role flex code. An employer answers four questions about what a role could accommodate. A part that hasn’t been decided yet shows as a question mark.
The four parts of a job
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Working pattern Which days and times the work happens, and how far they can change.
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Total hours How many contracted hours a week.
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Location How much of the work is on site, and who chooses the on-site days.
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Schedule How much notice there is of working times, and who sets them.
The four levels
Each part has a level from 1 to 4. The higher the number, the more flexibility. Level 1 means no flexibility is needed, or offered, on that part.
Working pattern: the four levels
- Level 1
No requirement. Set days and times would work. In a role statement: fixed pattern
- Level 2
An agreed regular pattern, such as fixed early finishes or compressed hours In a role statement: alternative fixed pattern
- Level 3
Days or times that can be changed by agreement In a role statement: variable by agreement
- Level 4
Control over when you work, within reasonable limits In a role statement: individually controlled
Total hours: the four levels
- Level 1
No requirement. Full-time hours would work. In a role statement: full-time only
- Level 2
A stable, moderate reduction from full-time hours In a role statement: moderately reduced hours
- Level 3
Stable part-time hours In a role statement: part-time hours
- Level 4
A small, stable number of contracted hours In a role statement: very low contracted hours
Location: the four levels
- Level 1
No requirement. Full-time on site would work. In a role statement: fully on-site
- Level 2
Some remote working, with the employer setting your on-site days In a role statement: hybrid, fixed attendance
- Level 3
Some remote working, with you choosing your on-site days In a role statement: hybrid, flexible attendance
- Level 4
No regular on-site attendance In a role statement: no routine attendance requirement
Schedule: the four levels
- Level 1
No requirement. Short-notice changes would work. In a role statement: employer-controlled, limited notice
- Level 2
Your schedule set in advance, with a set notice period In a role statement: employer-controlled, advance notice
- Level 3
Advance notice, plus the ability to ask for changes In a role statement: adjustable with notice
- Level 4
Control over your own schedule In a role statement: individually controlled
How codes are compared
A role fits when it offers the same level or higher on every part. In this example the role meets the need on pattern, hours and schedule, and falls short on location.
A shortfall isn’t a no. It shows where to start the conversation, and the site suggests a question to ask the employer.
What a code doesn’t do
- Levels are minimums, not preferences. Any arrangement at or above each level would work.
- A code covers working arrangements only. It says nothing about skills, experience or ability to do the job.
- A code is not a flexible working request and is not part of any statutory process.
- Hour examples are illustrative. The exact boundaries between hours levels are still being tested.