To persuade my employer to increase my part-time hours

[ElleDeeCB]

I have been working for my current employer for 6 years. The role is a new one, in an area of the organisation that didn’t previously have a staff member. When I took on the role it was very part-time (just a few hours per week) but very quickly this increased as it became apparent that it was needed to do the work. It is still only 2days per week however. The past few years I’ve been working flat out to get as much possible done within the time available, sometimes ending up working outside of contracted hours, and I now have a large backlog of work that I’m struggling to make any inroads into.
I would like my employer to increase my hours to give me a better chance to keep on top of things and so I can start to clear my backlog. I’ve also noticed that my productivity / output is much higher than in colleagues in other departments who have nowhere near my workload, yet long established roles that are full time.
However, my work isn’t something that generates income and isn’t central to the organisation. The Head of Finance has already told departments that they do not want to increase the organisation ‘head count’. How can I persuade my organisation to increase my working hours?

YABU: you should just get things done in the time allocated
YANBU: you need more time

If you’re confident it’s not a “you” problem and you can genuinely justify the job needs more hours… go for it

But we can’t answer that for you

Tell them exactly as you've explained it here. Make it clear which tasks won't get done if the request is refused as you can't keep working outside contracted hours for a job that requires more than two days worked per week.

Present them with evidence. Map your day against what you do and what you don't get chance to do. Detail how long each task takes to do.

Be prepared for them to reduce and reallocate your workload.

You aren’t looking at this from your employers perspective.

Why would they bother paying you to work additional hours when you’re doing them for free?

Stop it. Do not work a minute outside of your contracted hours and be totally non contactable. Your offer to increase your hours is on the table.

In the meantime I would be looking for either a different job, or an additional job.

can you demonstrate how increasing your hours would have a positive effect on output/ productivity/ sales etc. if not you don’t have a case.

Thanks @HoskinsChoice if they reduce my workload that would be a positive, but reallocating it wouldn’t work as it’s a specialist role and I’m the only staff member who has the skills (or inclination!).

Thanks @Zempy I think you’re right that I need to stop. I think I also need to speak up that deadlines will likely be missed as I can’t get the work completed that is expected as I don’t have enough time.

Is it detrimental to the business if the work doesn’t get done on time or is done at speed and therefore not as thoroughly?

Thank you for the advice here today everyone, much appreciated x

I agree. If this role doesn't make the company any money then there isn't much incentive for them to increase the role.

I would be looking for a different position in another company where you can use your skills to do the job and are valued by the company for doing so.

@MatildaTheCat yes I think if standards were to slide or deadlines missed this would be detrimental and noticed. But I have been ensuring that doesn’t happen, by working beyond the time available or leaving non urgent work to build up.

Definitely a prioritize or give me more time conversation. And don't do overtime or bust a gut to get things done otherwise the true extent of the lack of resourcing is hidden and you'll just burnout

If it doesn’t generate income could any part of your role become chargeable.
Can you demonstrate your role has saved money eg because of my work on x project that team now save 20k or due to my advice we are compliant with x which saves us being sued/tribunal claims - whatever your role is adapt accordingly.

Then play the long game and stop.

Or speak to them and clearly show them how many extra hours you are working to avoid this but you cannot continue which will mean delays?

You have an excellent argument in your post add some figures or details and ask them to agree an increase to be reviewed in 6 months.