Wording in meeting intivation for return to work with reduced hrs

[youlemming]

I am due to return to work in January after having DD2 and contacted work last week about arranging a meeting to discuss the return and also dropping down to 4 days which would only reduce my hrs by 4 as Friday is a half day anyway.

I was sent a form to request flexible working which I completed and now been sent an invitation letter for a meeting next week but the wording as slightly worried me, it may just be standard so if anyone has HR experience it would be good to hear any feedback.

It says that as this is a formal meeting I can be accompanied by an employee colleague.
I didn't have this after DD1 but that may be as I went back full time with no change to my overall hrs.

Getting myself worried over what could be nothing!

[captaincloud]

I had the same wording in my flexible working meeting and they were great - offered me the arrangement I wanted! I think it's just to cover themselves and make sure you know that you have a right to bring someone with you if you feel you need to. Good luck!

[youlemming]

Thanks captaincloud, did you take anyone with you?
A few people said I should take someone incase I don't remember everything but I don't want it to look like I don't trust them in anyway, also will there really be much to remember they are either going to say yes, no or potentially find alternative options.
I expect them to say yes as my cover is not long term and basically a few people picking up bits within their normal workload so they need me back.

[captaincloud]

I didn't take anyone as my union rep was away and like your situation it was going to be yes, no or another option. I did take a notebook and write down everything they said as someone in a previous meeting said some dodgy things about women with children going back to work and I wanted to remember the wording if that happened again! Maybe take someone along if there's someone available who you'd be comfortable with but don't worry too much if you can't think of anyone suitable. Let me know how it goes!

[youlemming]

Don't know why I was so worried, my boss is great and agreed the new hrs within 5 min. The HR manager said at the beginning they may not be able to approve the request in the meeting but again it is probably standard to set expectations in case further discussion is required.
Just need to wait for an amended contract to be written up and all sorted!
Now just have to get prepared for going back, I know it will go by so quickly :-(