SMEs often operate with informal practices due to their smaller size and Limited Resources. Many do not have an HR department or even a dedicated HR person or formalised written policies. As a result, they often adopt a more flexible and less structured approach to staff management. This approach can provide greater flexibility, allow fast decisions and the ability to adapt support to individual staff needs, and was mentioned by our research participants as a key advantage of smaller workplaces compared to larger employers.
“It wasn’t a formal flexible working request with a formal response it was a conversation in the office that was just accepted… I think in a larger company it probably would have been a lot more formalised.” (Nathan – Employee, 10-49 staff)
“It’s pretty much all informal arrangements [in my workplace] at the moment. Parental leave is codified but not that parents can flex their time around to accommodate family things. Nobody will question you about ducking out early to go to football practice, if you’re then working another hour some other time.” (Patrick – Employee, 10-49 staff)
Did you know? (Informal) Flexibility matters! The most valued support type among SME employees is informal flexible working (43.4%), e.g. allowing staff to work from home, take 2h off or leave early to accommodate a family emergency, followed by formal flexible working (41.3%). Small acts of support, therefore, often matter more than expensive benefits!
Ensuring fairness across the organisation
- While Flexible Working arrangements are highly valued by staff, it can also be challenging to ensure all employees are receiving the same levels of support (see How to create a supportive workplace culture).
- Developing at least a ‘support framework’ can help to provide a certain level of consistency in support provision.
- Nevertheless, without written policies, you may also unintentionally violate labour laws or fail to meet compliance requirements, risking legal consequences and fines (see Meeting employee rights and Legal entitlements for expectant parents).
