to stop extra flexibility after my manager imposed office hours?

[LouuLou]

I work in a small office team of five people. I’m the only full-time member of staff, everyone else is part time. We had a new manager start last year and honestly, up until now, things have been really good. We get on well, I like his management style and he has always said he cared more about people getting the work done than clock-watching.

I work very hard. I consistently hit targets, usually go beyond what is expected, and I won an achievement award last month. I also work very flexibly. I regularly start work at 7am, answer emails early, and will often still be available after 6pm. I usually work through lunch too. That flexibility has suited both the organisation and me because it means things get done quickly and I can also fit other parts of life around work. It is one of the things I am regularly complimented on - how quick I get tasks done.

Out of nowhere, he has now announced that I have to be physically in the office 9–5 three days a week. No actual problem has been identified, no concerns raised about my performance, no suggestion that work isn’t getting done. The explanation was basically that he “wants to try something different”.

Fine. He is the manager and he is entitled to set office hours if he wants to. I’m not arguing with that part.

But my feeling is that if he now wants strict contracted hours and presenteeism, then that is exactly what he will get. I no longer see the point in starting at 7am, replying to messages before work, being available into the evening or working through lunch. I’m planning to work my contracted hours, take a proper hour lunch break and log off at the end of the day.

I know this will reduce the amount I actually get done overall. But another part of me thinks flexibility works both ways. If management removes trust and autonomy, they can’t really expect staff to continue giving unpaid goodwill on top.

But you are objecting - you are saying you will look on and laugh etc (I think it was laugh)

I think you are over valuing all your extra work and have fallen into a trap

So you are not taking any regular extra time?

id going the office then - get out the house and just do your hours

What is wrong with laughing?

He nominated me for an achievement award which I won last month and I have won this 5 times in a row now so my work is valued.

You are absolutely right. If he wants to impose rigidity within your flexibility, so will you. Malicious compliance and he will regret his different ways. I used to be forced into the office one day a week only to be stuck looking for little corners to have online meetings in! I left that role because presenteeism is a waste of my time.

Ironically I now work in an office every day but leave early in my afternoons to get focussed stuff done at home. That's trust and flexibility and working in a place for a purpose. To do otherwise is such a waste of time and emotions.

It’s the looking on and laughing while he struggles that isn’t right

Not a set time every day but I will go and pick up an order, or do a quick shop sometimes etc.

Agreed. Was there any need to do it? I worked with someone who would almost pride themselves on replying to emails before anyone else, when it as completely unnecessary.

Equally we had a chap working for us who would insist on getting to jobs early in the morning, instead of during his working hours. He'd get through all of his jobs by 3pm then kick around until finishing at 5. Then expect to be paid from when he started the first job, until 5.

Declaring flexibility is all well and good if the role actually demands it, but not really a flex if it doesn't.

Absolutely not unreasonable to work your contracted hours only! Unless you’re being paid extra, your flexibility has only been benefiting the organisation really. Do your hours and work to rule.

That sounds ok

so Why are you giving over an extra a day a week free - doing a 6 day week for 5 days paid?

So you finish your work by 9 but still work until after 6 without a break?

Absolutely do your office hours and no more.
Personally when the three day inhouse rule is implemented, I would not do more hours when working from home. Because this would mean the company would get the benefit of your additional hours. They have decided to take your flexibility from you so take yours from them!

I actually think he should get another full time person in as the part timers obvs aren’t doing all the work. There’s no way on earth should you be starting at 7am and working through lunch and past 6pm. The odd overtime should be fine but he’s taking the piss here. He’s used to you working extra and very hard and he’s not acknowledging it or looking for a solution (another full timer). No one should do overtime on a regular basis. Do you get TOIL/paid for this overtime? Unless as a pp said you’re out a lot eg for school pick up drop off. Even then that’s usually 15-20 mins.

Out of interest, does it matter if things aren’t done as quickly? I‘m not asking if the new manager likes prompt replies, I’m asking if there is a business need for emails to be replied to immediately?
Many of your posts are about speed but unless you are working with different time zones, does it actually matter?

I do enjoy the job and like to get things done efficiently. But I won't anymore.

That’s probably enough for an extra part timer or full time.

As pp said I’d try to find out why you’re needed in the office, is it presenteeism? Are the higher ups making this decision? And how was your last appraisal?

I do work with different time zones so it is importantly to reply quickly to some emails to move things forward.

Not everything needs to be done as quickly I guess but the manager has got used to that and expects it now. I will slow down on everything and stick to the 9-5 like he wants.

What kick back will there be if any here? Would they say anything?

My SIL works in management for a museum/charity and always works overtime (but gets TOIL). She can’t seem to say no to it though.

Perhaps he is becoming concerned by how long you appear to spend at work. From 7am to 6pm. No lunch break.
That or he is worried about others. Or as he says wants to try something new.
Or he wonders if you have another job ? That you do during the day when you are paid to be working there ? Two work screens etc….

Last appraisal was excellent. I just won an achievement award so all good.

It may be presenteeism. He has been very vague so I don't know for sure.

I’d say it would be more efficient to just work your hours

your saying your not efficient as you don’t get the job down in the hours

My guess is he’s not liking your omnipotent superwomen status as much as you think

it seems he hasnt communicated well with you on this but you do sound a bit militant. This will not go well for you if your intention is to go slow because the wfh benefits have been removed. Have a discussion about this and try and meet in the middle where a new trial of work schedule can be assessed.

No two screens. I am not employed anywhere else. If he is concerned then he should just say instead of praising me for my efficiency.

I will work within the set hours from now on.

I think the pp meant “you are taking umbrage”

I will be slower because I will be available for less hours. Is that militant?