To be annoyed that my flexible working request has been turned down

[workisanightmare]

I requested to change my hours from 9-5 to 8:15-4:15. It just suits my day better and would make my evenings more productive.

it has been turned down because I need to cover until 5, because my colleague can’t due to health issues. AIBU to be a bit annoyed about this?

That’s for management to do though. Not single out one employee

Are you very young? Or somehow in a non collaborative role ?
Otherwise that's a bit naive and you may restrict your own options with that approach.

She hasn't said she works in an office...

Hmm doesn’t sound like they actually did - they said they were a flexible workplace according to yourself. That can mean a lot of things other than you can finish before 5. You’ve not got a case for constructive dismissal, you’re just coming across as quite bratty.

You’re the nightmare not your work 🤣 what do you think most of the working population do?

Does everyone have to give three months notice or just you? Can they show you in the annual leave policy where it says three months?

Not read whole thread. Is there a lone working policy? If you fell and hurt yourself would anyone know until the next morning?

I would just look for another job as you are being shafted here if they are blaming it on the health issues of one person.

She's a nightmare for wanting to be treated the same as everyone else in the office?

Just read the first page but here's my opinion, I'm sure OP won't swear at me ;)

Just kidding, I read every post. It seems very surprising to me that no-one has asked what OP's actual role is as surely this is very relevant. She describes being very junior, answering phones, and taking messages for other people (presumably the trades related people) to action in the morning. So I assume she is essentially the receptionist/front desk person.

OP clearly hates her job and is inventing every random reason to take them to tribunal or whatever, which, okay, fine.

If I were staying there I would do two things, (1) ask if breaks during the day could be shifted so I could get to know my colleagues a bit better which I'm so excited to do as you seem like such a great bunch, and (2) investigate call routing / message taking software and ask if it's possible to take any messages on your commute home. I wouldn't bother with any requests that require the existing staff to take on shifts. It seems very fair to me that the newest person, and possibly the person who's job it explicitly is to answer calls (receptionist), should have to be available all day.

Go get your own health reason that you must leave by 4. Then it becomes their problem. You will need a letter from your physician.

The problem with work places like that is anyone decent and without personality disorders leaves. Then all you have left are the bottom feeders, people that can't do their jobs, have anger issues and narcissists etc. This is why you should always ask why they have an opening at interview.

Was 3 months notice for leave an informal request due to you being the only one covering the end of the day, as it would be helpful for them arranging cover, or a stipulation where any request less than 3 months in advance would be denied?

I can understand the first, and assume there was flexibility when necessary, but the second would be another matter if it only applied to you.

The OP states she is the only one in the office past 3.30pm on follow up post

Either stay and get seniority at some point or look for a new job! Good luck!

Have you been the only one to work until 5pm since the day you started or have other people shifted their hours recently, which means you're now the only one past 3.30pm?

I would look for a new job. This one sounds rubbish.

My goodness, I actually feel really angry for you, what absolute jokers! You should speak to the person who interviewed you and call them out for the whole flexibility thing! As it just wasn’t true. Also saying 3 months notice for what they’re saying is ‘a junior role’ to have holiday is nuts. If you haven’t signed the contract yet I’d be out of there! Wouldn’t put myself through this utter nonsense. Unless the money is incredible, surely you’d be better getting something closer to home without the long commute?

This is awful! When I first read this I thought, we would all love to finish earlier but the business need has to be met if that’s what you signed up for 🤷🏻‍♀️ but as I read more of your comments it’s clear that this work place have completely deceived you & offered benefits that they would never be able to provide! Did they make you aware when you took the job on that you would be alone for so long & responsible for locking up the place every day & somehow in turn responsible if the place got burgled?! They dangled the flexible hours carrot whilst also knowing that flexible hours weren’t possible because of other agreements already firmly in place & they’re trying to make you feel bad by mentioning 1 person out of 30 that has a chronic illness which has nothing to do with you! The 3 month notice for annual leave & possible cancellation is also absolutely ridiculous & completely unreasonable. I don’t know if there is anything you could do about this in terms of constructive dismissal but what job did you have before? You sound like a good worker, Is there any way you could ask for your old job back? If not, I’d drop this like a hot brick & get out of there! I can’t believe they expect you to close the place alone in pitch darkness on a place that’s well known to be dodgy! They sound like a shit company to work for, I’m sorry this is happening to you! I once worked on reception where the whole building went to lunch at 1 but I had to go at two to cover the phones & I sat alone so it was really isolating & lonely. I could never make friends & it just made going in every day really demoralising & depressing. That’s not half as bad as what you’re going through & I was miserable! Hope you can find something else , maybe consider temping short term just so you can leave. Do it before your probation is over so you don’t have to work a long notice!!

A lot of people misunderstand 'flexibility' when advertised in a job spec.

it is not a pledge from the business to be fully flexible to your whims come what may.

The 3 months notice for annual leave is totally unreasonable, as is the lone working every day and excluding you from social things.

Can you look for another job?

I'm confused. You live close enough to know it's rough, but far enough away for a 60-90 minute commute? How is this possible?

I feel for you OP.
The flexibility thing is annoying if that's how it was sold, but singling you out as the newbie so you don't get breaks with anyone, finish with anyone etc doesnt create a welcoming and inclusive atmosphere.

Three months to request leave is taking the piss, as is denying you christmas leave if everyone else has had it granted.

I'm presuming when you took the job they were the agreed hours and times you would work? They are running a business and need a member of staff until 5pm and that's you. It's not up to them to accommodate when you want to work because it would be more productive for you! I suggest you look for a job elsewhere ! Your post comes across as a bit entitled. I'd be really annoyed at your attitude if I was your boss, complaining your the only one there till 5pm.Thats why they hired you and that's what you get paid for!

What health issues mean you can't work until 5pm?
Surely a person who is this compromised should be working part time? Unless you get a full explanation of why they can't work until 5pm I would argue it is not reasonable to deny you.
It sounds very much like my OH was expected to work every Christmas because other people he worked with had children, this simply isn't fair.

just find something else and leave.