Can I take a colleague into a welfare meeting?

[cjt110]

Long story short, I was off a while back with health issues which triggered a welfare meeting between HR, my boss and I.

I have alerted HR to the fact I feel in decline again and we have a meeting tomorrow to "discuss how they can best support" me.

I have already suggested working from home 1 day a week as a short measure to try and stave off a crash in my health to the HR lady who said it seems plausible.

When I mentioned this at the first welfare meeting my boss was set against it and only with further questions from the HR lady did he admit it was an option.

I am terrified, even though I have asked for this meeting myself. I hate confrontation and feeling like I'm in trouble.

Can I take a colleague in with me for support?

I have worked from home in the past due to things like stomach bugs, or when my son has been poorly so they know full well I do and can work from home effectively.

Have emailed my HR lady.

Don't forget: HR work for the company, not for the staff. HR are never "on your side" unless your interests also happen to align with the company's.

Ideally you would be a member of a union and take a union rep to a meeting like this.

Just turn what you've written here into a work style document.

If your company allows working from home your request is reasonable.

Potentially you could suggest a trail period.

Be prepared to counteract arguments - you say you've worked at home in emergencies and it's technically worked. If you are missing 4/5ths of every week what might they be concerned about? What - if anything - might other people have to pick up if it became an everyday thing? What would your answer be.

If you are worried about confronting your boss the more you have written down might be helpful.

While HR are working for the company, they will also be much more aware of legislation than the boss, so they should be fair.

Have got heard anything back, op?

Any word yet?