Work announced a move from 2 days to 4 days

You might have to stick it out for now, but vote with your feet and look for something else.

If everyone now has to go in 4 days a week, ill bet there are a few who are looking to jump ship.

I think you would have had more sympathy if you posted without all the background. It's no one's business what your childcare or dog care arrangements are. Your family is not more or less deserving of understanding than mine or someone else's.

The facts are:

• you agreed to the job based on you being in the office 2 days a week
• they are changing the goal posts by asking you to come in 4 days

You could try and make a request to stay the same arrangement but be prepared for them to say no.

It's up to you what you do next.

I really feel your pain and this kind of thing is so frustrating, and I believe completely unnecessary! I don’t think anyone should be forced to be in the office for any more time than they need to be.

I have to be in the office judg two days a week but since my railcard ended my train fares have become so expensive (£35 one way!) and I also have a 2 hour commute door to door. I’ve just found out that I’m pregnant so I will definitely be requesting something more flexible once I return from Mat leave to either one day only or remote, and if they can’t accommodate I will need to look for a remote or more local. I wouldn’t jump to looking for a new job until you have spoken to them about this, but maybe make it clear that you may need to if they aren’t able to accommodate slightly.

I really think it’s so unfair how people (and especially women who have children) are expected to juggle 9-5 in an office everyday with the costs of childcare, drop offs pick ups as well as everything else! I hope the conversation goes well x

I would apply for an adjustment. If it isn't granted, I would look for alternative employment.

My company includes hybrid working as a core benefit. I can see this being eroded to being nearly full time in the office. I think a lot of large companies are reverting to office working under the guise of collaboration.

I have been self employed and have WFH for more than 20 years. My experience is that people are much more productive WFH.

There is a drive for people to come into the office. There isn't enough desk space for everyone. I hot desk by random people. It's a waste of time and money. Staff engagement is going to be negatively impacted.

Have a look how it actually pans our. We have officially 4 days in the office, but nobody does that. Some people do 3, most 2. As long as there are no complaints, nobody cares.

unless I misunderstood your OP II thought you said you were a higher rate taxpayer if you got a bonus. £11 for parking and £15 for a dog walker isn't really much :) Hell of a lot cheaper than childcare

Completely agree with this.

I don't blame you OP for being annoyed and frustrated at this decision. You weren't unreasonable to take the email and other communications stating it was a hybrid role, and the arrangements therein, as the basis for your working conditions.

However, contractually, as you state The actual contract has the office down as the normal place of work they have covered themselves.

I do think having a straightforward, non-game playing conversation with the decision-maker in this case is the way to go. I'd be honest - no need for explicit mention of dogs and such like, but I think it's fine to say that you based your decision to take the role on its compatibility in terms of working conditions with your family / home commitments, and is there any flexibility around the 4 day onsite option?

Perhaps in discussions there is a middle ground available that will work for everyone - if not, I do think the option will be to look for another role and to be very clear from a contract position that WFH arrangements are explicitly laid out and clear.

You can ask for flexible working, but when your DH is earning over 100k arguing about 2 days extra parking and a dog walker won’t look good

The husbands salary is nothing to do with the OP’s employer.

Do you work 4 or 5 days a week? From a legal/HR perspective is WFH considered a flexible working request? I thought it was just PT working or reduced days etc.

I agree with PP.s it depends what's in your contract.

Also agree it's a sign of the times. So many people got used to WFH, cheaper childcare/dogcare/commuting etc. (that's not a criticism btw) It was fine with covid and after but now many workplaces see that productivity and career progression is better with people in the office.

There's also no denying that many people really do take the piss WFH. Companies shouldn't have to put up with it.

As you say, it maybe a case of voting with your feet. I suppose all you can do is weigh up what matter most to you. Of course, try all you can to continue or even at a push 3 days but then if they don't agree see what other options you have.

They moved the goalposts. That’s indisputable. Can you go back to your old role? You say it’s the same salary, so aren’t you better off as it’s 100% remote so no commuting costs?

@Everanewbie OP, I think it's worth checking something before making a flexible working request (that the business could reasonably refuse based on business need).
Whilst an employment contract can vary the terms outlined in a previous offer letter, this can only be done if both the employer and employee agree to the changes or if the contract contains a variation clause, which allows your employer to unilaterally make certain changes. Does your contract contain a variation clause, OP? (It's usually very obvious as it's generally sub-titled something like "Variations"). If it doesn't, you could argue that your employer doesn't have the right to unilaterally change your working location/pattern as laid out in your offer letter.

I would suggest a flexible working request. Set out clearly that you accepted the job on the basis of the offer, which was clearly defined in terms of home/ office working. Then set out the reasons why your role can continue to be done on the current hybrid pattern and why having you in the office will have no impact on the team. Offer a compromise 5 days from the officer every fortnight.

I think employees need to vote with their feet and you should find alternative employment that works for you if you can.

Companies are very sneaky as they don’t write the hybrid bit in the contract which means they can change it whenever they like!

Haven’t read through but I am totally pissed off with employers that do this.

People set their lives up around work, that is nothing new, and changing the goal posts has implications on the employee AND their family in my experience.

Total lack of respect, and most definitely not a way to increase productivity or engagement. Fools.

Op. Is this a stealth cull? Do you think they want to piss people off and have people resign rather than sacking a chunk of the workforce?

The shift is away from hybrid to more and more time in the office. I would not advise anyone to take a job assuming the current hybrid on offer will stand.

Apologies if you have replied to this already - does it say 2 days in the office in your offer letter? I get that it’s not in your contract - but I would make very clear those were your expectations, and if that’s ignored, I would also make clear that the new arrangements don’t work for you and that you’ll be looking to move.

I feel for you OP. My department was recruited on WFH contracts across GB. My organisation, who has moved to hybrid, now only grants hybrid contracts on promotion. Essentially cutting off promotion opportunities for my department unless you're willing to add 4 to 5 hours worth of commute a day, and pay for it.

Worse, I have to enforce it in my team. I'm looking for other WFH opportunities elsewhere, and am willing to take a pay cut.

A genuine question, which I know may not be the point of your original post, but if the salary is the same, why did you leave your previous fully WFH job?

I agree with you, but unfortunately unless its written in contract which most companies are hesitant to do. They can change it based on "business needs", they do not need to explain or justify. They can change whatever they like. Its bait and switch.

Agree with PP leave the dog out of it. Maybe find another job with full flexibility (you clearly need it), and then speak to your manager when you have another job (with the right terms) in hand. Otherwise it’s put up and shut up.

Sorry but op took the job on the offer made. That included the hours and the wfh basis. This is the case for most parents who work.

Alternatively you can think of it that the travel costs saved have been a nice bonus while it lasted.