Hybrid and Remote Work Interview Questions: What to Ask Before You Accept a Job (UK)
Flexible working matters to a lot of job seekers in the UK. A job advert may say hybrid, but what does that actually mean? The answer can vary widely between employers. Interviews are the best time to find out.
Understand the options
Remote means working from home most or all the time. Hybrid means splitting time between home and office. Flexible working can also mean flexible hours, compressed weeks or part-time. In the UK, employees have the right to request flexible working from day one under recent changes, although employers can refuse for certain business reasons. Check the current rules on GOV.UK.
Questions to ask about hybrid and remote work
How many days a week are people expected in the office?
Are the office days fixed, or can they change?
Is the policy written in the contract, or is it informal?
Do people on the team actually follow it?
What equipment and allowances are provided for home working?
How are performance and progression assessed for remote staff?
Questions about team culture
How does the team communicate and stay connected?
Are meetings scheduled to include remote colleagues?
How do new starters get onboarded when working remotely?
Be honest about your needs
If you need a specific arrangement, say so in a positive way early. It is better to know whether the job is the right fit than to be disappointed later.
Watch for mixed messages
If an employer says they are flexible but all the managers are always in the office, ask how it works in practice. Talk to future colleagues if you can.
Get it in writing
Make sure that the arrangement you agreed is stated in the job offer or contract.
Everyone in this situation feels alone at some point, and you are not. If this helped, share it with someone who is job hunting, and tell us in the comments what has worked for you.
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