Employment rights | The most common misconceptions about remote working

Flexible work has taken centre stage in Labour’s new ‘Employment Rights Bill’, meaning employees would now be entitled to request flexible working from day one. This provision benefits workers who value flexibility, though some employers remain hesitant due to perceived risks.  

Much of this uncertainty, however, stems from change in ways of working and concerns that remote work may impact productivity, culture and a general sense of belonging. From a policy standpoint, Labour’s move to formalise flexible work rights signals a broader shift in how governments are responding to the post-pandemic work environment. For businesses, it means adjusting not just to new norms, but also to regulatory requirements that prioritise flexibility. 

Before requests for flexible working arrangements start flooding in, it’s worth dispelling some of the most widespread myths. Employees gaining greater freedom isn’t something to be feared—it should be viewed as a way to empower them to work in a way that maximises their productivity and potential.  

To understand why some companies are nervous about these changes, Matt Monette, UK Country Manager at Deel, addresses some common misconceptions of remote working...