Can I Request Garden Leave

[Twinkletoes85]

I resigned from my position last week, mostly because I find my line manager impossible to work for and their decisions seem biased against me. For example we are a team of 4 plus her (1 part time 3 full time.) The teams in the company were moves round at my managers request and the other half of an established couple placed on my team. This means they are always at lunch together, obviously they take the same annual leave which leaves me picking up their work (among other issues).I raised multiple concerns about this before and since it happened but have been ignored.

Since I handed my notice in my managers attitude has soured further and I am feeling even more excluded from the team I already did not feel part of.

I am not overly busy now considering I am on my way out and am finding it difficult to be here. It is widely known in the company that my manager is not easy to work for and I am not the first to leave due to this.

Could I ask for garden leave on this basis or do I just need to suck it up and ride it out?

[Popchyk]

I'd ride it out. You don't want to risk getting a bad reference or causing a big fuss that you don't need right now.

Do the bare minimum, keep it cool and professional, and just cruise on. Just ignore any nonsense.

If you don't have much work on, could you do some research for your new job? Or set yourself a challenge to learn something during the time you have left? Use the time positively.

[Twinkletoes85]

It’s difficult as if I’m seen to be doing something that’s not work I’ll be in trouble, but I have very little work to do.

I’m mostly frustrated we are not children and the attitude and freezing out etc is just uncalled for, unprofessional and downright rude.

I appreciate your feedback and I think I will end up riding it out and biting my tongue very hard!

[Popchyk]

Depends on the nature of your job of course, but can't you just put earphones on and look busy on the computer?

Or keep having "things to do" outside of the office? Get outside if you can and have a short walk around when you need a break.

Take a full lunch hour outside of the office (if you are entitled to that of course).

Try to avoid being alone with your line manager. If you see them coming then stand up and busy yourself with something, even if it is just moving papers around on the desk.

I appreciate that things are strained, but there is an end in sight now that you are leaving.

See it as a challenge to yourself as to how professional you can be in a difficult situation. Anything you learn now will be a help in the future.

[Twinkletoes85]

Sadly not, I have client phone calls to answer and if you disappear from your desk for too long you get looked for.

I’ll keep counting down and try keep my head down and out of the way

[yummumto3girls]

Did you raise a formal grievance? If not I suggest you do, it may give you leverage to agree an early settlement/departure. How much notice have you given!

[Twinkletoes85]

No formal grievance, I’ve been to HR a few times but it’s never been escalated. My notice isn’t very long it will just feel longer!