Is it worth pushing for flexible working?

[wohmum]

I've been in my job now for 11 months - it s full time, reasonable responsible, managemnt position with 5 direct reports. I have briefly floated the idea of flexible workign - either a 4 day week or even a 9 day fortnight but my immediate boss has indicated that it woudl go down like a lead balloon!

He's pretty approachable but the senior management who would have to approve it are pretty old fashioned (its a very male dominant company) and I can't see them even considering it.

I know it has to be considered properly and I suspect I can make a very good case for it being done in less hours , but I;m not sure iwant to if it creates a difficult working environment.

does anyone have experince where they have pushed and got less hours against a company who really weren't keen and how has it left your working relationships?

In my case, I suspect it will just
re-inforce their sterotypical thinking about employing women in seior positions!

[gigglewitch]

I am a senior manager and got my flexible working agreed - the original was a slight reduction in hours, to work over four days rather than five; the current variation is that i hold a full time contract but "work at home" for one day per week. In practice I do my work on the four 'work days' in the evenings, mainly reprots and boring admin stuff, and then my day off is completely free to spend with the children, I just have my work phone on in my bag but my staff know only to ring it if the sky is falling down or worse so it tends to only be the occasional call from directors on that day. All happy with that.
Our company is fairly family-friendly though; but if you know your maternity/ working rights then you could be in with a chance of ompromise. My lot weren't willing to drop my hours initially because of my post/position, but they gave it to me when I gave them a realistic proposal of how i intended to manage my time and workload, which basically they couldn't find fault with!!

Good luck!

[gigglewitch]

[pedilia]

I was a senior manager when I returned after mat leave, I put in a flexible working request and after some compromise I got most of what I asked for.
Always worth trying

[wohmum]

Thanks all - so it sounds like its worth a try. did it affect your working relationships at all? I really feel like mine will end up woth them resenting me for making a stand!

I don't think there is anyone else at my level doing flexible at all.

Am I best to go initially for something i am prepared to compromise on - sat a 4 day week, but actually do a 9 day fortnight? which would be ideal if HR can mange it! or

[callmeovercautious]

Firstly make sure you have a watertight proposal. Try and pre-empt any doubts they might have.

Then make your application formally, you can only make one in any 12 month period so take your time and get it right.
here is some good advice. Look at the links, somewhere is a template for the letter.

Sound your managers out informally first. I met with mine and had a few suggestions, said I was flexible if they could be etc. It worked well and I now work 3 days a week with the option of gradually building back up to FT as DD gets older. I am being given more Managerial responsibility not less and I think that they see how well it can work. A good thing as other Women at work are expecting babies soon and I am hoping the Company will look on them favourably too. I see my self as a bit of a trend setter
Then again they could just be scared of upsetting me as I work in HR

[callmeovercautious]

X posted as I took a bit of time. It has affected my working relationships as I get a bit of ribbing for being a Part timer. The board have also been hard work - deferring to my FT colleague when they should be talking to me etc. However I have been on a bit of a PR campaign and that is turning around now. It has taken a few months though. Worth the effort though.

[wohmum]

sorry about the typing - seems to have gone to poy as well! honestly, I'd make sure my application was done properly! !

[wohmum]

oh, and thanks for the link.

I'd be interested to hear how you overcame the deferring problem as i can see that being a similar problem.

[callmeovercautious]

It has/is taking work. I include them in the big projects I am working on, ask for opinion where before I would have just delivered. Not in an insecure way iyswim just as an "oh we are doing this what do you think" kind of way. Like I say - PR - I find I need to shout about my efforts a bit more as I am not "seen" working as much.

[flowerybeanbag]

Lots of answers already, but just on the working relationship thing. I think if you genuinely think it could work and could build a good case, it's worth considering.

You need to bear in mind that if they are resistant, getting it agreed might be a struggle. They do have to consider it and they can't say no unless there's a good business reason, but that doesn't mean they won't say no and won't resist. You might have to appeal it and you might have to put in a grievance and all sorts. I'm painting worst case scenario picture here.

Of course the better your case to start with and the more they trust you and the more you can convince them to at least try it (I would advise a trial period to help them), then the less likely there will be all this hassle.

If there is lots of hassle, your working relationships might initially be more difficult, you will need to prove yourself, work very hard, and demonstrate how well it will work and what benefits it brings the business. There's no reason your working relationships can't be repaired fairly quickly if you are working well and demonstrating how marvellous flexible working is!

[wohmum]

Thanks again guys.

FBB , I really can't see me going to appeal if they resist - which I know they will do , after today I'm losing the will to face it and may just look for another job!

[flowerybeanbag]

It really depends how attached you are to your job and to the company you work for - with your short service and their attitude, perceived or otherwise, it may be less worth fighting for than it would be in different circumstances.

Depending on how urgently you need ot make a decision you could have a browse round the job market for a bit and see what's out there, have a chat to a recruitment consultant, and then possibly consider it. Or you could put a request in and look elsewhere at the same time.