Can You Handle a Flexible Work Request?
Quick Summer Tips for Managers Supporting Flexible Work Requests
Summer is a time many look forward to, but for working parents, it can bring a whole new level of juggling. With schools closed, childcare gaps, and family holidays on the horizon, managers may notice a rise in flexible working requests.
The real question is: Are you ready to handle them?
Here’s the good news—supporting your team during the summer months doesn’t require heroics. Just a few smart steps can go a long way toward building trust, retaining talent, and keeping performance strong.
Why Summer Flexibility Matters
For working parents, summer often means:
- Limited access to childcare
- Increased family responsibilities
- A need for adjusted schedules or remote working days
By approaching flexible working requests with empathy and clarity, you not only support individual wellbeing but boost team morale and loyalty across the board.
5 Quick Tips for Managing Summer Flex Requests Like a Pro
1. Start with a Conversation, Not a Judgment
Avoid assumptions. Ask open questions like:
“What kind of flexibility would help you manage your summer schedule?”
This shows that you’re listening – and that flexibility isn’t a favour, it’s a conversation.
2. Focus on Outcomes, Not Hours
Instead of counting hours, agree on outcomes. Clear deliverables help everyone stay on track – even if the “when” and “where” look a bit different in summer.
3. Set Boundaries Together
If someone is shifting hours, help them create guardrails so they’re not “always on.” Agree on times for meetings, check-ins, and when they’ll be offline.
4. Trial It Before You Deny It
Not sure a request will work? Suggest a short-term trial. A 2–4 week test run can give both of you clarity and confidence.
5. Share What’s Working
Encourage your team to share flex success stories—whether that’s managing a school run or working compressed hours. Normalize flexibility by celebrating what’s possible.
Remember: Flexibility Is a Two-Way Street
Flexibility doesn’t mean lowering standards – it means raising your game in trust, communication, and collaboration. And summer is the perfect time to practice. When your team feels supported, they show up stronger – for your business and their families.
Need more ideas?
Download our Supporting Working Parents As the Summer Approaches Manager Checklist for practical tips you can start using today. Or tune into Episode 3 of the CPO Talk podcast – Family-Friendly Leadership with Elise Lockyer, Chief People Officer at Sonovate, to hear how modelling support from the top sets the tone for the whole organisation.