Not sure if this is a reasonable request

[Emphasise]

I work in the admin team at a pupil referral unit. Tbh, the workload itself isnt that bad compared to mainstream, but we do have to deal with extreme behavior and harrowing stories. Every child who comes through our door has a very sad background.

Anyway, it's recognised that this can take its toll on staff and various wellbeing events are arranged and fitness etc.is encouraged.

I get a 30 min lunch break which I usually have at my desk (bad!) but there's not really much else to do in 30 mins.

At my gym, a 10 min drive away, twice a week they have a 30 min lunchtime class I'd like to do. It's a yoga/stretch type class so I reckon I could get away without a shower and be back in an hour. Would it be unreasonable to ask if I can do this twice a week on the basis that the other 3 days I just have a quick 10 mins to eat at my desk?

[ofudginghell]

It wouldn't personally be a problem for me if a member of staff asked me to have this option.
Long standing staff members or members who stand out by showing a good positive work ethic should be rewarded in ways that are suitable to both employee and employee

[Hercules12]

I don't think they'd be allowed to let you do this legally.

[noblegiraffe]

You're supposed to have at least 20 minutes for lunch, so you'd be better off asking if you could work 20 minutes later at the end of the days you go to the gym on.

I suppose it depends on whether you'd be asking to be absent from the office during a particularly busy time of day. But it's worth asking.

[Emphasise]

I start at least 20 mins early everyday anyway so I suppose I don't really need to offer to sacrifice my break on the other days?

[ChickenAndSpinachBalti]

What you may find a sticking point is the flexi-time element of this compared to staff who simply would not be able to take any advantage of such a "perk".

For you/your role/your interactions/timetable etc this shift of hours may not impact on your ability to do the job. But for a lot of other employees it may not be feasible (contact time/need to cover reception desk etc). So if the management team allowed you to do so then they may become inundated with other requests. Which they may not be able/want to allow.

Where I work there is no flexitime for anyone -regardless of role.

There is no harm in asking but I wouldn't hold your breath.

[Emphasise]

Flexitime is allowed but is usually used by 52 week admin staff to have time off in the holidays. E.g If you work an hour over everyday for a week, that's 5 hours you don't have to work in the hols.

[traviata]

What about an online class? If there's a room with enough floor space to roll out a yoga mat (and lock the door?) you could try something like Yogaglo or Yogaia or have a look on Youtube.

[ferriswheel]

I wouldn't personally want to be in debted by such a favour. But no harm in asking if it doesnt bother you.

[noblegiraffe]

But it's not a favour if she's still working her full hours and other staff already use flexitime.