What is the work-life balance like in your role? Does it include hybrid and flexible working?

Absolutely, HMRC have flexible working policy and also operate a Flexi-Time system where you can build hours and embrace hybrid working so a mixture of time in the office and time at home.

When I had my children, I was able to apply for a change in shifts to better suit my family dynamics. I had a conversation with my manager and we then applied to the work force planning team. I had my decision within 2 weeks. In 2019 when returning from maternity leave, I had a family bereavement my partner had to go abroad for about 3 weeks. I was able to work part days to cover childcare at the start and the end of day. I have found that as long as you are honest and open with your manager and take on board the business priorities a solution can normally be found.

The Department provides the ability to achieve an excellent balance. We are contracted to work between 0700 and 2000 on weekdays, however some roles (such as criminal investigators and contact centre staff) do have slight exceptions to this, but they can be specialist and any job advert should advise of this. Between those hours we need to work 7.24 hours a day (excluding breaks), however you have control over this and you could discuss with you manager if you wanted to work longer hours a couple of days so you can accrue flexi leave and take that later in that work period (3 months). Some colleagues prefer an early start and earlier finish, some don't come in until midday and work through into the evenings. It also allows flexibility if you have children at school and need to drop off/collect. Personally, I have more control over my working hours, flexi and annual leave as well as start and finish times that I have ever had before, externally and within the civil service. This makes the work life balance much better and easier to manage.

Any arrangements regarding hybrid working would need to be discussed with your line manager. Personally, I work full time, so work 3 days in the office and 2 days at home, but if there is ever a reason this is not possible, my manager is very flexible about making temporary changes to suit me.

"Most" areas have a split of working from home and working in the office. I would have the conversation as soon as you can, ask recruitment when you apply for a job if it would be a possibility. Once you have a job, discuss with your line manager, HMRC puts work life balance as a high priority while considering business needs.

I currently work 2 days from home and 3 days in the office. I like the flexibility as it helps with my work life balance. HMRC actively promotes a healthy work life. It really depends on the business area you work in. You would need to discuss working flexibly with a manager. You will find we have a very flexible working enviroment.

The guidance is available on the Balancing Home and Office Working Policy which entitles employees to enter into a non-contractual arrangement to work from home as well as in the office. Current guidance states you can work from home for 2 days a week and work 3 days a week in the office (more if your business area supports it) averaged over 4 weeks, if you are in a suitable role and you have a suitable home environment.

Having been in a previous post where flexible working was not an option I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. It gives me the opportunity to work earlier in the day and finish earlier allowing me to enjoy a better work/life balance.

It can depend on what area of HMRC you work in. For most people, you can work from home 2 days a week. If you have exceptional circumstances, there may be room to negotiate - you'd need to discuss this with your manager.

There will be support for you to work at home for 2 days a week if you are in a suitable role and you have a suitable home environment.