Clear and consistent communication across an agency provides a strong foundation for shifting to flexible-by-default. It will help build awareness, understanding and ownership.
The information obtained from surveys and focus groups (see Stage A: page 6) will also help inform a communications plan by identifying:
- the existing level of awareness and take-up of flexible-by-default
- attitudes to and experiences of, flexible working
- the types of concerns that need to be addressed.
Agencies can use the Summary of Flexible-by-Default Key Messages (page A) which includes the principles of flexible-by-default, Resource 3 which details the benefits of flexible working, Resource 6 which has examples of communication objectives and more detailed key messages, Resource 7 which outlines some of the common concerns about flexible-by-default and suggested responses and Resource 8 which outlines common challenges and suggestions for addressing these.
The case studies in Resource 1 provide examples of how some agencies have communicated about flexible-by-default.