WFH request denied, but allowed for a new start

[HarryPottersMuse]

Longtime lurker, but not a poster. Just wondering AIBU before I make a final decision whether to approach or not.

I am a hybrid worker, did 3 days pw initiallly (2 in office, one at home). I increased to 4 days and now do 3 in office, still 1 at home. I had asked before increasing if I could do 2+2 instead or even full time wfh (my preference), was told ‘no’ as wfh percentage is at capacity. Fair enough.

Here is my AIBU, a colleague who previously left has since come back - and is allowed to wfh full time? Should I not have been given first opportunity having previously asked to do so before she came back? Do I have to leave and get rehired to get same benefit?? We do the exact same job, exact same nbr of days.

Would I be wrong to raise this with the Manager who told me they were “at capacity” for home workers just weeks ago? Do I have any rights over a new start, or am I wasting my time.

I don’t want to leave, but find myself looking for other jobs that offer remote working as I’m not happy.

YABU - you have no special right over somebody essentially new

YANBU - this is most unprofessional and you deserve an explanation

But that's all it is, a preference. Which is easy to ignore if it's not convenient for them. If you submit a formal request they are obliged to consider it properly, which is what you want them to do.

I feel that before you join a new job you have all the power, so to speak.

Exactly

And people need to maximise that window.

We've had a few people join work in the last few years who've negotiated full wfh contracts. They played their hand well.

Other staff signed a contract with the office as their place of work. Management doesn't want to retrospectively change this. 🤷‍♀️

The way to gain the upper hand is to change jobs.

If you are the only one in all the time ,then it seems very unfair on you .I would be asking questions and letting it be known you might be looking elsewhere .At the very least you should all be taking turns surely

@Iminthemoneylife Yes of course, but it is worth investigation by the OP to find out.

I'd put in a formal request in your situation. May be your manager doesn't like ppl WFH but was persuaded to grant it by HR as the new person negotiated for it.

Yes, I agree it is.

Back before covid I was the only one in the team that was expected by the manager to be in the office everyday - because I lived the closest. If I requested a day I would be asked it’s difficult as we need someone in the office - why did it always have to be me!

It’s frustrating! I’m happy to go into the office but wish the same flexibility as everyone else. But can already see that the expectation is on me to be present again now we in the office more. So I’m looking for another job.