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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

AIBU about working from home?

16 replies

VivienneHolt · 25/07/2019 14:49

I work for a company which has a very comprehensive agile working policy. Employees are actively encouraged to work from home (to the extent that we no longer have enough desks for everyone, as the expectation is that a certain percentage of staff will always be off or WFH).

The policy advises that you should ask your line manager 24 hours in advance (if possible), and that you don't have to give a specific reason for your request.

I don't WFH very often, no more than one or two days per month. Some people in my team work from home multiple times per week, some never do - it's quite a personal thing.

I am getting frustrated, though, because every time I ask my line manager if I can, he asks me the reason why. Sometimes he comes right out and asks why, sometimes he says things like 'why, do you have a parcel coming?' etc.

The tone of these questions definitely suggests that he thinks WFH is only acceptable if there's a specific reason for it. And sometimes I do have a reason, but sometimes I just don't fancy the commute or getting into a suit. If I say 'I just want a WFH day' he will raise his eyebrows in mock surprise, or purse his lips. Sometimes he'll even follow up with a further question like 'oh I see - I assumed you had to be in for something'. I get the feeling he would love to refuse the request if he could.

I'm the only person in my office line managed by this person. Everyone else has to ask a different person, and she never asks for a reason, she just approves all requests (unless it's genuinely not possible).

AIBU to feel annoyed that my line manager is making it obvious that he doesn't think I should be WFH unless I have to? And is this just a petty annoyance I should tolerate, or should I try to discuss it with him? I'm pretty thick skinned, but he line manages more junior people than me in another office and I can easily imagine that his attitude could intimidate someone junior into not making the request.

OP posts:
whocanbebothered · 25/07/2019 14:55

If it was me I would be requesting WFH days more frequently. Perhaps the fact you rarely do it is simply drawing attention to the occasions when you do. I would request min 2 per week and if he asks why just say "The company WFH policy states I do not need to give a reason". I think you just need to brazen this one out for the first couple times and show that you know the policy rules and that they are overstepping their power trip. If any days are refused then I would be asking why and ultimately referring the issue to HR and querying why you are not allowed the same working flexibility/policies as every other employee.

CaravanHero · 25/07/2019 15:01

Pick your battles - this doesn’t sound enough to make a fuss over.

Just say ‘just fancy it’ and ignore the raised eyebrows. I wouldn’t go in all guns blazing and quoting company policy - not worth it for such a minor issue imo.

jellycatspyjamas · 25/07/2019 15:08

I’m guessing it’s because you don’t very often, so when you do your boss assumes there must be a reason. I’d just plan to work from home more often so that the requests aren’t out of the ordinary.

In saying that, I work from home fairly frequently and usually offer an explanation when I’m telling my boss my work plan, eh I’ve got some reading to do, I’m writing a report and need access to books at home or I’ve got someone coming to look at the boiler. I wouldn’t make a big deal of it tbh.

Topseyt · 25/07/2019 15:08

Say that you can be very productive working from home a couple of days a week without the commute at each end of the day, therefore you wish to take advantage of the company policy on this without being called into question.

Chune · 25/07/2019 15:10

Answer every time with ‘just in line with the policy’. He’ll get the hint eventually

Di11y · 25/07/2019 15:11

I'd never give a reason even when I have one. and just say it suits me.

wendz86 · 25/07/2019 15:18

I would check what the policy is. We aren't allowed to ask why people want to work from home. We can only say no if they need to be in meetings etc.

VivienneHolt · 25/07/2019 16:51

Thank you everyone, very helpful to get a range of views!

OP posts:
Happyspud · 25/07/2019 16:55

Just say ‘no, I prefer not to have parcels etc planned for when I’m working to be honest. I just find the lack of commute great and i can also get more done at home compared to being interrupted at work sometimes so I like to request it occasionally. So is it okay to WFH tomorrow?’

Stuckforlong · 25/07/2019 18:55

I can sympathise I have a similar situation in my office. Office politics my manager seems against the idea even though it is now company policy introducing "hot desking" . We have now resorted to arranging amongst ourselves(colleagues) just to ensure we are not understaffed still there is a friction I think some managers believe we won't be productive enough but it's not the same for everyone

AllFourOfThem · 25/07/2019 19:02

Answer every time with ‘just in line with the policy’. He’ll get the hint eventually

^This

TeaAddict235 · 25/07/2019 19:04

It sounds like he doesn't really agree with the company policy and can only exert this power over you. I agree with @whocanbebothered and request a regular Monday & Tuesday for a month and quote the company policy. If he keeps up his reluctance go and see HR in person. There could be underlying issues with him.

brassbrass · 25/07/2019 19:18

Answer every time with ‘just in line with the policy’. And same as other colleagues..

This is very good advice. Try not to get embroiled in some office war with him try and detach completely even though it annoys you.

We have the same setup but we don't have to ask permission everyone decides for themselves. As a result I hardly ever go in and when I do people ask me if I'm going for an interview 🤣 As long as you're delivering your workload no one should have an issue. I've had to take younger colleagues to task sometimes as they clearly think they can doss about which is transparent when the work isn't up to scratch. So I can understand why he might have an attitude but he shouldn't tar everyone with the same brush.

ethelfleda · 25/07/2019 19:22

Answer every time with ‘just in line with the policy’. He’ll get the hint eventually

This.
Your boss is trying to assert authority, probably.

I think more companies should allow WFH. Massive traffic reduction, carbon footprint impact etc. I love it! Luckily, we don’t have to give any notice to do so. We plan our own diaries and just go in to office if we need to for meetings etc.

Kindlethefourth · 25/07/2019 22:16

My organisation has completely embraced smarter working in the last 12 months. But despite this my boss was just like yours. Pointed comments, pursed lips etc. So I simply stopped grovelling for it, explaining etc. Just put in in the diary in advance and worked at home those days with a breezy 'I am working from home tomorrow' and it worked. Just face it out. I don't actually enjoy working from home much but can appreciate the hours saved in commuting is good for me.

AlexaAmbidextra · 26/07/2019 02:12

Completely off topic but the term ‘agile working’ always amuses me. I envisage all the employees running around the office and leaping over desks like racehorses. 😂

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