Flexible Working Tips

[Loopylasso79]

I have worked for the same employer for the last 17 years. My number of working hour's are 25 per week which are currently worked over 5 days including Saturdays. My latest finish is 2pm. It's a large call centre dealing with insurance and we've been given a new 10 week shift rota which includes working till 7pm and 8pm on an evening every other week. I'm going to have major issues working these shifts as I have an 11 year old son. He's due to start senior school in September and finishes school ato 2.30pm.My husband works till 6pm. I cannot possibly leave my son until his Dad gets in at 6.20pm. Unfortunately my Mother who's recently turned 60 is still working and other than my husband she's my only support. The union have passed the shifts, there's around 100 staff in the same position so I'm really not holding much hope of my request being accepted as it's business needs. There are rumours flying around that your request will only be accepted on medical grounds so lots of staff are going down that route.I suffer from depression and anxiety but don't feel it's worth bringing this into the equation,although my anxiety has been horrendous since I was given my new working patterns. Does anyone have any tips, I'm going to offer to work every weekend including Sundays,but simply can't work the later shifts.

[insancerre]

An 11 year old will be fine on his own for a few hours every once in a while

[Loopylasso79]

The issue I have is its not going to be every once in a while. It would be 4 days every other week for approx 3.5hrs an evening.

[WallisFrizz]

I agree Loopy, that is too much for an 11 year old.

Tips to get them to agree:

My employer is big on both parents putting in flexible working apps, not just the Mum (for example). So they would may be appreciate it if your husband tried to get flexi working with his employer to assist you, even if only for one or two days.
Show compromise, 11year old can maybe look after himself one of the nights a fortnight.
Can you show how it would be a benefit for you department for you to work different hours to the shift pattern.

[JenniferYellowHat1980]

Show compromise, 11year old can maybe look after himself one of the nights a fortnight

I disagree there because OP's employers could argue that if he can look after himself for one night he can look after himself for four.

[Loopylasso79]

Mondays tend to be our busiest day so I've said I would work 8 till 4pm every Monday as I feel leaving him for an hour could be possible. I've also said I can work 2 till 8pm every Friday as my Mother doesn't work a Friday. I've also offered to do a 9 till 3pm Saturday and Sunday every other weekend. Hopefully two years down the line I can fully flex to the shifts.