To say no

[ChilliNoodleGoodness]

I am a team leader and lock up the office twice a week. I live a 40 minute drive from work and have a toddler at home, which means I like to get home as quickly as I can.

There is a relatively new girl working for us, been here about 8 months.

On Monday she asked if she could get dressed for the gym in toilets before I lock up. I said yes as I thought 5 minutes wont hurt. She was indeed only 5 minutes.

She has asked again today but my back is up. Why should I hang round for 5 minutes? The slightly late getting home doesn't even bother me, it's the fact she thinks her time is more important than mine.
I want to say to her "do they not have changing rooms in the gym?" But colleague says she will take it the wrong way.

TBH I am not sure I care. What do you think?

Would it be petty to say no?

Just say no, I need to leave dead on time. She can get changed at the gym.

Is there time for her to get changed while you're doing the close down process if it only takes her a few minutes?

Nope, people like this continue to take the piss more and more as time goes on.
'Sorry, I need to leave bang on time - the other day was a one off'

Just say no, I really need to go on time. Much easier to get your way that way than engaging with her about her alternative changing arrangements.

Yep, this. Is there the option for her to get changed on her break?

No decent person would be offended by this

‘sorry I need to get my son as the nursery is strict on timings otherwise I would no problem’

Why can't she get changed at the gym?

She can and should get changed at the gym, I certainly do and I think most people do. Say no because she’ll expect it all of the time if not and you’ll constantly be leaving late.

I think you are overthinking it OP saying she thinks her time is more important than yours. It probably hasn’t even occurred to her that a few minutes would cause you any inconvenience seeing as you said yes.

As you have said those five minutes don't bother you OP then I would say yes you are being a bit petty. Surely she is changing while you are locking up or is it straight out of one door and then lock it? She is asking for a favour not because she thinks her time is more important than yours. If you really don't want to wait a few minutes twice a week, then tell her sorry I have to leave dead on time for my child.

She's under no obligation to apologise for saying no or provide an explanation.

ETA simply saying that it isn't possible and you need to leave on time is sufficient.

Just say no, and explain you need to leave dead on time.

This.

Just say no you have a child to get home to.