Karren Brady’s career advice on requesting flexible working hours from your boss

APPRENTICE star and West Ham United vice-chair Karren Brady answers your careers questions, plus try our money-saving tips.

Here she gives advice to a reader who wants to ask their boss about flexible working.

Q: I want to ask my employer about flexible working – but not because I have children or caring responsibilities.

I did the London Marathon this year and loved it so much that I’ve signed up to do a triathlon in October.

I found training for the marathon around my busy 9am-5pm office role difficult, and a triathlon will mean even more training, so I’d like to change my hours to accommodate my schedule.

But my boss is really busy and I don’t want her to just dismiss it out of hand.

Do you have any tips?

Ciara, via email

A: In the UK, employees have the statutory right to request flexible working from the first day you start your job.

Employers must consider requests in a reasonable manner, but can refuse them if there are valid business reasons. 

Be fully prepared before you ask for a meeting with your boss.

Make sure you can demonstrate what steps you’ll take to avoid disruption to your work output or to the business.

Be specific about the changes you’re asking for, whether it’s starting earlier, leaving later, or taking a longer lunch break.

Think about how flexible hours might actually benefit your employer, thanks to your increased productivity, better focus, and overall wellbeing.

Demonstrate your willingness to be flexible and accommodate the company’s needs, and suggest a trial period to check it works for both sides.

Make it clear you’re committed to your role and that this adjustment will help you improve your performance.

Anticipate your manager’s concerns and have solutions ready.

Regardless of the outcome, thank your boss for considering your request.

Best of luck with this – and for the triathlon!

• Got a careers question for Karren? Email bossingit@fabulousmag.co.uk.