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Going for a promotion - when to mention I need flexi-hours?

4 replies

lechatnoir · 11/02/2026 10:43

I work compressed hours so I can have a Friday afternoon off to visit/help my elderly mum whilst my dad has some much needed time out. This was agreed informally with my boss (who has since left!) who said to just adjust my working hours & reflect in the diary. I wfh, hours pretty flexible & we aren't monitored so it's unlikely anyone would actually notice but I wanted to do it properly & not find meetings booked in or be worrying about taking the piss so I do always work my FT hours across the week.

I recently applied for a promotion with another department - interview tomorrow & cautiously optimistic/hopeful I'll get the job. It's also full time but I still need that afternoon off once a week - ideally I would like to reduce my hours/pay rather than do compressed but not essential. There's people in my department doing 9 day fortnights or compressed hours so fine as an organisation, but not sure whether it's done within this team or at a more senior level. Friday afternoon meetings are very rare/unheard of across the organisations!

Should I mention it at the interview or wait until I'm (hopefully) offered the job? I don't want to jeopardise my chances but likewise don't want to mislead them. If they offered but couldn't accommodate my flexi-working arrangement, I'd stay in my current role but I am ready for a move now.

OP posts:
MrsTerryPratchett · 11/02/2026 14:44

Immediately. It wouldn't be allowed in my team and having wasted lots of time interviewing would be maddening.

cramptramp · 11/02/2026 14:47

I’d tell them before the interview. It’s pointless being interviewed if they won’t offer you the condensed hours. And you might jeopardise your future chances of promotion if you annoy them by not mentioning it.

EffectivelyDaydreaming · 11/02/2026 14:47

If you aren't prepared to take it unless you get the flexibility then you might as well say upfront, they might then not offer you it but you will be saving everyone's time.

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tealandteal · 11/02/2026 14:50

Given that without the flexible working arrangement, you wouldn’t take the role then I would definitely mention it. Just simply state, “ I currently work condensed hours to accommodate my caring responsibilities, would this be possible in this role? I would be willing to explore reduced hours of x or condensed working”.

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