Office schedule change - pets

[MXVIT]

Hi

Very long story short, my office worked on a 2 home / 3 office day post covid, never rigidly enforced but i stuck to this schedule and company line was this was the new way of the world.

This schedule works very well for me and my dog who I purchased after the above was put in place, I arrange care for him on office days and at home I'm obviously at home.

He cannot be left alone for longer than 2 hours, nor would I want to as its cruel.

My company is now mandating 4 days with a bit more rigidity (and still calling it hybrid, lol) with a line that flexibility from them will be key and easy to talk about

I cannot do four days because of dog care, I cannot afford a fourth day and cannot arrange familial care. He cannot be left alone for a work day, I cannot arrange anyone even to call in. I live alone.

I consistently hit my objectives working on the current 3/2 split consistently, and I am happy to increase the contact days every now and again if fully required.

WIBU to bring this up as a legitimate flexibility point.

Raise it, if you don’t get anywhere, make a formal flexible working request. If they push back there’s very little you can do but it’s worth trying at least.

By all means, raise it if you think it would be taken seriously.

In my place, people can't get more working from home days for childcare so I can't imagine it being approved for pets.

Have they mentioned these type of examples in any of their changes?

I think childcare is a different issue as you can’t work effectively and be responsible for children.

a dog won’t need any where near the input. Mine is content with a bed in the office, he goes out for a pee when I make a cuppa, and a quick walk in my lunch break.

a child would not be content to sit and watch me work all day!

I'd expect very little sympathy unless they're a very flexible employer. If your pet ownership means you're not able to fulfil the requirements of your employment you're probably best off finding a job that fits with your pet care needs.

A colleague asked for this and it was refused. He left.

Is there a clause in your contract that says they can change working pattern?

I think it’s worth trying to talk them round to sticking to 3/2. Alternatively, how about suggesting a trial period of bringing Ddog to work?

Raise a flexible working request on the basis you have proved you can do the work in that way and exceed your targets etc as you have been since 2020.

Please don't bring your dog to work

I'd imagine a dog that can't be left at home for the work day won't do very well in an office environment.

That's not a great idea Not at all fair on people who don't like dogs.

If dogs were brought in to my office, Id be wanting to wfh.

Also, I don't think employers wanting staff to be in the office more is all about productivity. There's a lot of noise in my office about employees loosing the "brand loyalty" they have to their employer, and staff turnover has noticeably increased. If you're sitting at home working on a spreadsheet, it doesn't really matter who you're doing it for, and who is paying you.

Or you re-home the dog and keep your current job.

I’d certainly be raising this with my manager- it might not mean you are allowed an exception but it’s always worth raising. Sorry they’re doing this - do you know why the change?

It's a fair point and I should have been clearer.

This was about being home in time for nursery pick ups without navigating a commute from the office, not looking after the child in the day.

Totally agree, that would be a challenge to say the least!

Would they be agreeable to you doing four longer days at work and having a day off, with still one of your four working days at home? It might be the additional dog care costs doing it that way are minimal and it still covers the hybrid clause.

Exactly!

Allowing the OP to keep her current working pattern is much less disruptive for other members of the team than her taking her dog into work. Anyway it might not be possible, the dog might not like it, never mind her colleagues.

Good luck with your job hunt OP!

Please don’t bring your dog to work. I’m very allergic to dogs and the office is one of the few safe healthy spaces for me now that dogs are allowed into shops, restaurants, pubs etc

I hope you manage to agree a compromise with your employer OP.

Organisations can change contracts and work bases, so whether it was an established pattern or not, isn't really relevant. My DH had his working hours formally changed to 4home 1 office, but then the company adopted a 2/3 day split and he was issued a new contract. It was all legal and above board. Individually he was working fine, but as a business they do better with staff in the office, client meetings in person etc.

If you think your manager is receptive then it's worth asking, but be prepared you're likely to get turned down. Most companies that are geographically located in one area are prioritising time together in a physical office.

Very long story short, my office worked on a 2 home / 3 office day post covid, never rigidly enforced but i stuck to this schedule and company line was this was the new way of the world.

I wouldnt think you have any legal grounds here, but if custom and practice has been 2 home/3 office for the last few years, then they're changing the goal posts, which they're allowed to do, but you probably won't be the only person who finds it difficult. I would definitely ask the question. Good luck OP.

Thanks all! Some very good advice!

Nothing to lose by asking! Maybe I'll be lucky

Thanks everyone

I would never take him to work btw! He's a big people person so would want all the loves from everyone constantly

Am I the only one who can’t get past the fact you don’t leave your dog more than 2 hours. How do you get anything done, have a social life, go to the cinema?
if you could extend the absence to maybe 3 hours or slightly longer could you nip back at lunch and spend time with him then. To break the day up for him
otherwise you have nothing to lose by putting in a flexible work request
Good Luck