Need to Change an Employee's Hours or Working Days? Here's What to Consider
Can an employer change an employee's working hours?
Businesses change over-time. Maybe you're opening on Saturdays, changing your opening hours or simply need your team to work differently. But if that means changing an employee's usual hours or working days, don't assume you can simply tell them the new arrangement starts next week.
Here are the things I'd consider first.
1. Check what the employment contract says
Does their contract specify particular days or hours? Does it allow their working pattern to vary? You need to understand what you've already agreed before deciding whether anything needs to change.
2. Talk to your employee about the proposed change
If you need their working arrangements to change, explain what you're proposing and why. And importantly, listen to their response.
A change that seems fairly minor to the business could have a significant impact on the employee, particularly around things like childcare, caring responsibilities or travel.
3. Don't rely on a flexibility clause without considering the circumstances
Your contract might give you some flexibility around working hours or days.
But that doesn't necessarily mean you can make any change you want without considering the circumstances.
This is where having well-written, up-to-date contracts really matters.
4. What if the employee doesn't agree to the new working hours?
If the employee isn't happy with the proposed change, try and find some compromise or alternative solutions.
Could you:
Can you change the proposed hours?
Can you introduce a rota?
Can you ask for volunteers?
Can you phase the change in?
Can you find another practical solution?
Sometimes a conversation solves the problem.
If they don't agree, get advice before going further
If you genuinely need to change someone's contractual terms and they won't agree, your next steps can carry legal risks.
5. Put any agreed changes in writing
Once you've agreed what will change, document it clearly.
Make sure everyone understands what's changing, when it starts and whether it's permanent or temporary.
Need help changing an employee's working hours?
If you're looking at changing someone's working arrangements, make sure that you know follow the right process to do this fairly.
Check the contract. Have the conversation. Listen to their concerns. Explore your options. Document what you agree.
And if you can't reach an agreement, get advice before taking the next step.
If you're considering changing an employee's hours, days or other contractual terms and you're not sure how to approach it, HR by TJ can help you work through your options and handle the conversation properly.
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