Should I approach manager informally first?

[starkwolf]

Hi - looking for some help and advice as I try to think about going back to work after maternity leave.

I have a 7-year-old and a five month old and have a fairly stressful job. Before I left for maternity I had a new boss who is extremely socially awkward and is pretty much out for himself. I am his 'deputy' and he likes to kick back as much work as possible to me. I have worked full time ever since having my first son seven years ago and it's been tough to juggle life as a full time mum.

This time I would like to go back three days a week, as full-time would put immense pressure on our family - my husband has a very stressful job and is doing a masters outside of work.

I'm considering informally emailing my boss and explaining that I would like to go back three days per week - on a job share basis if possible?

I know there is a formal route that I would likely have to eventually go down, but do you think there are benefits of sending an informal email first asking what the possibilities could be?

I could do four days at a maximum,

Thanks in advance :)

[Beansprout30]

Hmm I think I'd just go down the formal route straight away, maybe email him to find out how you need to go about putting In a flexible working request, more so to give him a hint of your plans, I'd do it formally if he doesn't have an inclin that you no longer what to do full time

[ThoughACandleBurnsNoOnesHome]

I think if you had a good relationship with him then there can be benefits to having an informal chat about the possibilities. Only you know what your working relationship is like and whether he would be amenable to a discussion. I approached my manager informally to discuss my flexible working and it made my formal request for HR really straight forward

[starkwolf]

Thanks! I think i'll go formal route :)

[LucheroTena]

Informal first, the more notice the better.

[GetTaeBed]

A word if warning- and from experience- 4 days often means the job doesn't change, you end up doing the same amount of work but don't get paid for. Put in a formal flexible working request for 3.

[Justgivemesomepeace]

Where i work the process is to request informally first. If it's an easy decision there's much less work involved. If the informal request is declined then we go down the formal flexible working route.