Need to mention to new boss I want flexible working

[princessx]

I am on mat leave from my full time job and I am planning on requesting flexible hours (ie less hours) for my return in July. I changed boss just before I left work in December, so I mentioned this to my old boss just before I left. She wasn't too impressed and said raise it with hr when you are on mat leave but you are unlikely to get it.

I was actually planning on phoning my new boss this Thursday to have a catch up chat about my replacement, to make me sound really keen and focused and to mention to him that I was about to contact hr to apply for flexible working.

But really annoyingly he has beaten me to it. He emailed me today asking for a catch up tomorrow. It's no big deal, but I would have looked more proactive if I'd been the one to contact him.

Anyway I was wondering if you could help with how I could mention that I want to apply for flexible working. The call tomorrow is to discuss my return date. Should I say. Yes my return date will be x. I would also like to consider returning with slightly more flexible hours. I will request the forms from hr and we can see if this is feasible.

Any help gratefully received!

Replace consider with request and that sounds like the perfect way to raise it. The employer must consider and respond, so put it in writing. unless she agrees straight off, in which case confirm it in writing.

Cool thanks- I'll let you know how I get on

I suggest raising it in a fairly informal way - you may just get a straight yes.

But do prepare - be able to explain how you would structure your working week, and ensure there is adequate cover and the work is done. Offer flexibility (within reason) if the work demands it and if your childcare is flexible enough: that might be changing work days if there's a need, or taking phonecalls/checking emails on your day off if essential. Don't over-promise on the flexibility - you will be taking a pay reduction to work fewer hours after all! - but show that you have given proper thought to the demands of the job and the needs of your employer, and it becomes much more difficult for them to justify a refusal to your request for flexible working, as well as setting the parameters for your return to work.

Oh yes, agree with Fallen - do follow up in writing - just an informal approach first sometimes works well as people are often quite happy with flexible working arrangements. Good luck!