Flexible Working Request Meeting

[EverybodyKnows]

Tomorrow I am meeting with my MD and HR along with a colleague to discuss my formal flexible working request.

Bit of background -

4 Years in the same company- on a full time contract. I am doing well and smashing all my targets (131% in 2011).

Since I started I had 3 MDs, both numer 1 & 2 allowed informal flexible working ad hoc and the girls had wrap around care with school. IT wasn't really an issue then.

Oldest DSD has SEN and we now have no support before and after school for her. I would like to be able to support her better by changing my pattern of work hours.

I have put forward 2 scenarios, one when I work from home part of the day or cutting my hours and have shorter days(starting and leaving earlier). In both cases I have in the office during core hours (9-4)

At my last review, (Which was very positive and awarded a 9% Raise) my current MD didn't engange at all when I casually broached the subject and told me that the company only allowed for 1 day WFH a month. Since then, I have found out the last hire has already been allowed to work from home 1 day of week ( the previous HR person LIED to me and told me he only worked 4 days a week). Another one of my colleagues mainly works remotely. Our HQ in the USA allow more and more people to work from home and flexibly. Their last 2 hires both work from an home office. I can't help but feel a little discriminated againts IYSWIM.

So what should I expect ?

I've prepared a detailed statement about my request and incorporated extracts from studies confirming the positives of Flexible Working Practice for businesses. I raise my concerns and ideas about coming to a compromise and also stating that I am looking forward to work together on the request in order to reach a situation which is fair for all parties.

SHould I give it to them in writing or read it at the meeting?

Anybody with similar experiences/HR Knowledge ?

Sorry if this is badly written. I'm on lunch break and I have to get back to work !

[EverybodyKnows]

Anyone?

[PinkFondantFancy]

I would put together a bit of a business plan of how it w

[PinkFondantFancy]

Would work in reality, settling our the impact it is likely to have on your colleagues and clients, and mitigants against any potential negative aspects. I'd be inclined to send the business plan up front and then follow up with a face to face meeting. For the meeting, id have thought through all their possible objections so that you can be ready with counter arguments. Good luck!

[MrsSchadenfreude]

I agree with Pink Fondant - present it as a business plan and present it to them to see what they say.

[EverybodyKnows]

Thank you.

I got increasingly anxious when the colleague I chose to sit with me told me she wouldn't make it as she had just been booked on a Fire Warden Training, despite her having confirmed she would be present. Don't you think it's daft ?

[EverybodyKnows]

70 % of my statement is about the benefits, supported by evidence used in government studies about Work/ Life Balance practices and how it would enhance both the business and the employee.

I also talk about the increasing number of employe in the company who are being successful while working remotely and how I am keen to replicate this within my role.

[EveryZombieKnows]

Sorry I didn't update. The last 2 weeks were quite shite TBH.

Meeting was alright-ish. I did confront my MD about the fact I was treated differently. We came to a compromise thanks to the very professional and admirable HR Rep. I have made a point of telling her how I admired her professionalism and unbiased attitude, She was spot on.

Got 9-4. I'm happy with it as I allows me to be more present at home for my AS DSD and my DD. Makes a very positive difference so it was well worth fighting for it.

Can't help but feeling discriminated as I find out right, left and centre that a handful of men in the office have informal flexible arrangements and I keep being treated like I'm taking the piss. Really?

Anyhow, I got what I wanted so he can shove his customer service excuse up his arse. I did offer him to maintain that, he just wanted to override me. Oh well...