Successful flexible working applications - would anyone be willing to share their wording?

[frankietwospots]

Hi, I'm just in the process of filling out a flexible working request and want to make sure I do a good job of justifying why I am making the application. I'm basically asking to change to 3 days a week (previously worked 5 days) on my return after having a year off on mat leave. The company policy is that you return to work for 3 days a week for the first 8 weeks on full pay (I know...not bad eh?) so I am asking for an extension of that of 3 additional months but on pro rata pay obviously. The reason for my request is that I don't want to put my little boy into full time nursery just yet. I will eventually go up to 4 days per week but initially I want to try him on 3 days and then have mummy days when we do music group, swimming etc.. together.

What wording worked for others if you had your flexible working request approved? This is what I've written so far but I'm not sure how much detail to go into.

'My primary reason for requesting flexible working is to effectively manage my work/life balance. I need to balance the needs of my job with the needs of my family.'

Is that a bit rubbish...?

You need to write your application from a business point of view, not from a parent's point of view. From a commercial point of view, what benefits would the company/organisation get from you working 3 days a week from an extended period ? They already sound very generous tbh

That last sentence came across badly, sorry.

You are right PervyMuskrat, it is a very generous package and I know I'm lucky! Thanks for the advice re: writing from a business point of view. It's too easy to write it from an emotional/parent's point of view which they will not be remotely interested in!

Hi Frankie, seconding Pervy re business point of view. I wanted 3 days a week, with one of those at home, as I knew if I went back 4, I'd not loose any work. It means that between my parents and my husband dropping his hours to have a day at home, DS only has one day in nursery (though our total household income has dropped about 25% as a result of the reduced hours so it's not exactly a saving).

THe standard question is something like "How will this arrangement work in practice, effect your team etc." I tried to write about how it's beneficial to have me back a bit, rather than not at all, and that I already have a track record of managing my workload independently. In practice, they agreed to the 3 days but not to formalise the one at home, which I was prepared to "give over" to demonstrate some movement/flexibility in the interest of getting the 3 days. I probably do a day at home every 3 weeks or so, informally now. My arrangement is up for its 3 month-review this week so fingers crossed it's still working.

"I have a portfolio based role so anticipate only taking back certain elements of that portfolio to make up a 60% presence. My maternity absence has been covered by offering certain projects to other members of [our team] since those appointed to take on cover roles have left. My presence in the office on 2 days, and virtual presence on 1 day will mean my team members have plenty of opportunity to seek counsel and advice from me through regular catch-ups and open communication channels (eg phone, messenger), and during my non-working days they will be empowered to determine when they can apply their own solutions and suggestions as issues arise, and where other team members could provide guidance. I have a track record of effective remote working including managing a busy and varied portfolio which has included lots of days when I am ?out of pocket? [on client business]. Adjusting my working pattern in a predictable way would maintain client service, provided I am empowered to take on a manageable client workload."

Thanks dizzy77 - there are some really useful phrases in your application. I particularly like the bit about having a track record of effective remote working. Prior to my mat leave, I only used to go into the office once or twice a week (it's a 2 hour commute) and the rest of the time I worked from home. My team could get hold of me whenever they wanted and were used to only seeing me on Tuesdays and Thursdays. So really, my request to change to 3 days a week isn't that much of a change in terms of visibility. I will just need to work faster and smarter.