Flexible Working Arrangements
Flexible Working Arrangements
Global Bank recognises that flexible working can enhance productivity, employee wellbeing, and talent retention. The bank supports a range of flexible working arrangements, subject to business needs and role requirements. This article outlines the available options and the process for requesting a flexible working arrangement.
Hybrid Working Model
Global Bank operates a hybrid working model as standard for eligible roles. The default arrangement is:
- Minimum 3 days per week in the office (Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday are designated anchor days for most teams).
- Up to 2 days per week working from home.
Hybrid working is available to employees whose roles can be performed remotely without detriment to client service, team collaboration, or regulatory compliance. Roles on the trading floor, in physical security, and in branch operations are generally excluded.
Types of Flexible Working
| Arrangement | Description | Eligibility |
|---|---|---|
| Hybrid working | Combination of office and remote working | Default for eligible roles |
| Compressed hours | Full-time hours worked over fewer days (e.g., 4 x 9.5-hour days) | All employees with 6+ months' service |
| Part-time working | Reduced weekly hours (minimum 60% of full-time equivalent) | All employees with 6+ months' service |
| Job sharing | Two employees share one full-time role | Subject to role suitability |
| Flexible start/finish times | Varied start and end times within a core hours window (10:00–16:00) | All employees, subject to line manager approval |
| Term-time working | Unpaid leave during school holidays | All employees with 12+ months' service |
How to Request a Flexible Working Arrangement
- Discuss your proposed arrangement informally with your line manager to assess feasibility.
- Submit a formal Flexible Working Request through Workday under Personal Information > Flexible Working Request.
- Include the following in your request:
- The type of flexible working arrangement requested.
- Proposed start date.
- How you believe the arrangement can work without impacting your role, team, or clients.
- Any trial period you are willing to accept.
- Your line manager will review the request in consultation with the HR Business Partner and respond within 28 calendar days.
Decision Criteria
Requests are assessed against the following criteria:
- Impact on the ability to meet client and business needs.
- Effect on team workload and coverage.
- Regulatory and compliance requirements specific to the role.
- Cost implications (e.g., equipment for home working).
- Ability to maintain effective supervision and collaboration.
If a request is declined, the line manager must provide clear written reasons. Employees may appeal the decision by writing to the HR Director within 14 calendar days.
Trial Periods
All new flexible working arrangements are subject to a 3-month trial period. During this time, both the employee and line manager should assess whether the arrangement is working effectively. At the end of the trial, the arrangement is either confirmed as permanent, adjusted, or discontinued by mutual agreement.
Home Working Requirements
Employees working from home must ensure:
- A suitable workspace with reliable broadband (minimum 50 Mbps recommended).
- Compliance with the Information Security Policy (no work on personal devices, use of VPN at all times).
- A completed Home Working Self-Assessment (available on the HR SharePoint site), including display screen equipment (DSE) assessment.
- Availability during core hours (10:00–16:00) and responsiveness on Microsoft Teams.
For questions about flexible working, contact HR Services at hr.services@globalbank.com or extension 4400.