FWR - setting a precedent?

[gestaltgirl]

I've spoken to my line manager informally before submitting a flexible working request. He has agreed to my reduction in hours, 0.5 days per week and I also asked if I could work from home one day a week (or even one day a fortnight). He said I could do my job from home, no issues there but would probably not allow it because it would set a precedent for others to ask to work from home. I feel this is unfair. Is this a valid reason? I'd like this to be able to pick dd up earlier than 6pm on this day but he said I'd have to give him a better reason than saving time travelling to work that day.

Well, being concerned about setting a precedent isn't one of the set allowable reasons for refusing a flexible working request no, but you haven't made a formal request at present.

I do have a bit of sympathy (assuming that is the real reason rather than just what he's chosen to tell you) - it's very difficult to be a manager having to put up with lots of 'it's not fair' whinging from staff having agreed something for one person.

Anyway, as I say, it's not one of the 8 set reasons, but put in your formal request and see what response you get from that. If he just uses that as the reason, you can challenge it.

I agree with Flowery. Put in a formal request and see what comes from it.

thanks. I'll put my request in and hopefully he'll read the policy before deciding.
Does anyone have ideas on how to sell homeworking in an application? Is it enough to say I want an extra 2 hours with my dd for one day a week/fortnight to have a better work/life balance? I also think I am productive working from home, can easily keep in touch with office, anything else I could add?

Make sure if you want to work from home that you have childcare in place for those hours - most bosses would want reassurance that you will be working not caring for your DC.

Work out any impact your request will ahve on others and suggest cost effective ways of dealing with it.

Dont mention wanting an extra two hours with your child. It's simply not relevant to your employer. You need to focus totally on how your proposed plan will work without any adverse effects on productivity, colleagues and clients. If you start mentioning wanting more time with your child, there is a danger it will look like you're focusing on what you want rather than meeting the employers requirements . (obviously in all cases, the person requesting flex working will have personal reasons, but there is no need to mention that)

Thanks. Yes, dd will be in nursery on the days I wish to work from home and I will make that clear in the FWR.

I will list all the positives for the company but I thought you had to write why you want flexible working too, or should I just leave out wanting a better work/life balance?

What are the "8 set reasons" for refusing a FWR?

The reasons it can legitimately be turned down are on here