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AIBU?

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Original poster

To ask for a change in my working pattern?

22 replies

gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:08

I work for the NHS.

I have my first appraisal next week. I live about an hour and 15 minutes from the hospital where I work.

I am considering asking to change my working hours from 9-5 to 8:15-4:15 or even 8-4, as I really struggle in the winter with the darkness of the evenings. My thinking is that I would finish work earlier, head to the gym and then get home and be able to still enjoy some of my evening. I find the winter suffocating (I have seen my GP, take vitamin d all through the winter and try to prioritise getting outside during the day, I eat well through winter etc., but there’s nothing that can be done). AIBU to ask for this? I’m well aware that they dont have to grant it, but don’t ask don’t get, right?

OP posts:
Madamecholetsbonnet · 16/09/2026 07:09

Get your trade union rep to help you make the application. They should have experience and knowledge to help you get it accepted.

Original poster
gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:10

Madamecholetsbonnet · 16/09/2026 07:09

Get your trade union rep to help you make the application. They should have experience and knowledge to help you get it accepted.

I’m not a member of the union, I don’t think it needs to be escalated this far. I have a really, really good relationship with my manager so feel quite comfortable discussing it with her

OP posts:
HoraceCope · 16/09/2026 07:11

you would still have the dark morning
i guess it depends on the needs of the service
does anyone else do those hours?

Original poster
gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:12

HoraceCope · 16/09/2026 07:11

you would still have the dark morning
i guess it depends on the needs of the service
does anyone else do those hours?

Quite a few do varied hours.

I know I’d have the dark mornings but I think even a glimpse of the sun in the evenings would help measurably. The only way I’d avoid the dark mornings is working something like 10-6 which wouldn’t be workable.

OP posts:
Littletreefrog · 16/09/2026 07:13

You can always ask, the worst they can say is no.

EppingIsFun · 16/09/2026 07:15

Of course you're not unreasonable to ask, provided you do a job where 8-4 is feasible.

CoffeeandCakeBreak · 16/09/2026 07:15

Of course you can ask. I work in the NHS and have never done 9-5. I used to do 8-4, now do half 8-half 4.

It will be more about service need. If you are a clinician in a service that needs to offer appointments up to 5pm then it could be a problem. Or if you are the only receptionist in a 9-5 service and there will be no one to book patients in, then of course that won't work.

I am in a senior role in the NHS, and my attitude is as long as people do the hours, do the work, and see the required amount of patients and are available for meetings/speaking to other colleagues I don't really care what hours they do. Same as flexitime when needed for one off or short term problems that crop up

Sunsara · 16/09/2026 07:16

You don’t say what your role is but assuming not patient facing. If not then no other shifts etc to fit in with then I don’t see why not. Loads of staff even clinical change their work times and patterns in nhs as long as not reliant on next shift etc. I am clinical and senior and have done a million different hours to suit my family needs. Compressed days so you can have time off during the week. Hours between 7-10am start and 4-7 finish. Work from home some days too. You’ve got lots of options. Go for it.

StormKevin · 16/09/2026 07:17

If you have a good relationship with your manager and other people work flexibly I really don’t understand why this is a dilemma!

NewLifter · 16/09/2026 07:17

Very reasonable request so long as it supports service need. I'm a manager in the NHS and would always be supportive of requests like this.

Original poster
gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:18

StormKevin · 16/09/2026 07:17

If you have a good relationship with your manager and other people work flexibly I really don’t understand why this is a dilemma!

I’ve never really asked for something like this before. I feel like I’m being really cheeky for some reason!

OP posts:
Catza · 16/09/2026 07:20

gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:18

I’ve never really asked for something like this before. I feel like I’m being really cheeky for some reason!

Show quote history

You have a legal right to request this under flexible working regulation.

BendingSpoons · 16/09/2026 07:20

This is a pretty standard request. Think through any impact it might have depending on your role e.g. not being able to answer the phone after 4pm or not being able to attend end of day meetings, and how this could be solved. Then also think through advantages to the team of you starting early. Think about what you could work with if they aren't keen e.g. could you say you would be happy to revert to 9-5 on occasion when there are meetings/training days? Or potentially do e.g. 3 days 8-4, 2 days 9-5 to cover things needed at the end of the day. Of course, this might not be an issue in your role.

Digestive28 · 16/09/2026 07:20

Just ask. The decision will be less about why you want the hours and more about if it fits with service need.

BendingSpoons · 16/09/2026 07:21

gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:18

I’ve never really asked for something like this before. I feel like I’m being really cheeky for some reason!

Show quote history

Your trust should have a flexible working policy. Good idea to chat to your manager first and then likely you will need to follow up with a formal request.

Happysnappydays · 16/09/2026 07:23

Won't it be dark by 4 in the winter? Seems a waste to get out earlier and spend the time in the gym and then leave once it's dark!

Original poster
gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:28

Happysnappydays · 16/09/2026 07:23

Won't it be dark by 4 in the winter? Seems a waste to get out earlier and spend the time in the gym and then leave once it's dark!

It tends to get dark at about 4:15 earliest where I am (south west), so even 15 minutes would be a bonus!

OP posts:
Madamecholetsbonnet · 16/09/2026 07:35

gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 07:10

I’m not a member of the union, I don’t think it needs to be escalated this far. I have a really, really good relationship with my manager so feel quite comfortable discussing it with her

Show quote history

That’s very unusual for someone working in the NHS.

Good luck!

MassiveOvaryaction · 16/09/2026 08:34

No harm in asking though I guess it depends on your role. If they'd need to e.g. shift clinic times then it'd be more tricky to agree. Are you patient facing? If you have a good plan to use your time well for the hour before everyone else starts (presuming it's 9am across the board) I would imagine they'd view it more favourably.

Original poster
gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 10:34

I’m not clinical so it wouldn’t affect clinic times etc.

OP posts:
Bjorkdidit · 16/09/2026 11:05

Whether or not your request is approved can you also get outside at lunchtime to increase your exposure to natural light? Also make sure you spend a decent amount of time outside at the weekends and that you have appropriate clothing to make this less unpleasant in wet weather.

Original poster
gamblingonthesun · 16/09/2026 12:04

Bjorkdidit · 16/09/2026 11:05

Whether or not your request is approved can you also get outside at lunchtime to increase your exposure to natural light? Also make sure you spend a decent amount of time outside at the weekends and that you have appropriate clothing to make this less unpleasant in wet weather.

I do this, I just struggle really badly. Always have, always will

OP posts:
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