Let's talk about flexible working.....do you do it, how does it work, what does your employer think? Share with MN jobs...

[AnnMumsnet]

Here at MNHQ, our colleagues on the MN jobs desk would love to know how you get on with flexible working requests with your employers, especially after a return from leave.

Our Family Friendly programme survey revealed just how strongly parents feel about flexible working - with a fifth of those who work flexibly, or who have done in the past, saying that it is 'priceless'. Flexible working is valued more highly by employees that other workplace perks, even more important than career and salary progression. And there's good news for employers who embrace flexible working, with flexible workers having an overwhelmingly positive view of their workplaces.

However, there's still some way to go when it comes to awareness of working flexibly: 27% of people surveyed did not know that they had the right to request flexible working.

So - AIBU to expect to be able to work flexibly after maternity (/paternity/ adoption/ fostering) leave? What's your experience of flexible working requests? What would be your dream flexible working pattern? Share your views and stories on this thread.

If you’re interested in a new job (flexible of course) sign up for Mumsnet Jobs alerts here and do follow them on Twitter @mumsnetjobs or Facebook. How about this one? an IT Systems Manager - with the option to work flexibly or part time? If your employer has been amazing for flexible working, get them to email us ([email protected]) to find out about the Mumsnet Family Friendly programme!

Thanks
MNHQ

Insight T and Cs Apply

I'm dreading going back to my job as they are vile to working mums. I already demoted myself from management as they told me if I want to keep the position I would have to go back full time and fully flexible. Plus I have lost count the amount of times one of the other mums has been scheduled on a day they are not available to work and are forced to either give up the shift/money or find someone to look after/pick up their kid.

I managed to negotiate a 4 day week, term time only. If I'd have had to return to work full time there's just no way we'd have managed. So I completely agree that it's priceless. I wish it was easier for people to work flexibly. Although I don't really know what the answer is-if a business needs its staff during the school holiday times, it needs its staff.

I feel very lucky that I work for a big 4 accountancy firm, whose policies on flexible working are outstanding. After my 1st maternity leave I applied to reduce my hours from full time to 3 days a week. This was an easy process and accepted with no qualms. The work/life balance is difficult and expectations are high, but I feel supported by management and my department.
I'm about to return to work from my 2nd bout of maternity leave, and I'm not dreading it at all. I feel very lucky.

I'm exceptionally lucky, in that I've found my dream job and they have provided more flexible working than I could have possibility imagined. I have 2 days a week that I can use to work from home, one of these is a set day, the other I just need to give 24 hours notice, and they've also allowed me to shift my day forward by an hour so that I can avoid the rush hour and get home in time to put my kids to bed (long commute - normal for my field)

Not only have they provided that level of flexibility, but in the run up to Christmas my son's nursery was closed permanently with no notice, I called work to see if I needed to take a day leave, unpaid etc I was told to focus on sorting out the nursery placement and not to worry about leave as they know I more than make up the hours.

I work 4 days (26 hours) and am lucky to have been able to set my hours up so fit around school times. I'm aware not everyone gets this option and really appreciate it.

I found my employer wasn't willing to accommodate my flexible working request so I ended up being a sahm. It's not been easy trying to find a job that will allow flexible working, and so many employers don't value working mums at all.

I returned to work doing full time hours over 4 days, I already worked from home before mat leave. I haven't enjoyed it and I'm leaving to take an even more flexible part time role.

Making the request was easy and I was well supported to make the change, but working such long days isn't great for my wellbeing and being at home alone for such long days is very lonely.

My new job is 3 days a week, home based in the charity sector. I have taken an 18k pay cut!

My job is by definition flexible, but there are some points which are fixed and I can't miss (particular meetings generally). I've found people are mostly very understanding of my need to work round the kids, especially when they're ill, but then I do plenty of hours and don't take the piss. There are moments when it's a challenge though.

I find the flip side of flexibility is the need to be disciplined so work doesn't seep into everything - I have to guard my non-working days carefully or I never properly switch off.