of accountability. It can be challenging as a manager to overcome the mindset that employees will not be as productive away from the office environment; however research demonstrates that employees with history of working productively will normally remain productive with a changed schedule, especially where they have requested a change in schedule to improve their working situation. The key to success here is about communication and clearing setting out your expectations around what work needs to be done and when it needs to be completed. If members of your team are working away from the office environment ensure that there are team events to keep up the relationship and keep effective communication lines open. Working away from your colleagues can cause a feeling of isolation which must be managed carefully to make sure there is no reduction in productivity. Remember the obligation is to consider all flexible working applications.  They can be declined if the business is unable to support the request.  However, if approved flexible working arrangements should be implemented on a trial basis with the understanding that there may be a return to previous arrangements if required. If you are still harbouring doubts about flexible working why not give us a call to see if we can allay those fears.