Asking to drop to four days pw.. fairly new in the role

[KimDeals]

Just that really. I am wondering of any unintentional consequences of 1) asking for this and 2) if it was actually granted. I started earlier this year so I’m still fairly “new” and it’s a tricky enough role. It’s demanding. I have one direct report.

I am a single parent and I’d love to work a 4-day week for the work life balance aspect. I already work from 9 - 5 so I didn’t think I can condense a full week into four days as I’ve got school drop off and afterschool pickup to do.

What do you think - is it giving a signal of I’m not invested in the role - or anything negative? I’m very fortunate to have landed this job (it was a competitive recruitment process) … but my kids are still in primary and it would make the world of difference to have a day to get all the appointments and chores in, and then have the weekend with them.

But worried also about if it makes it hard to go back up to 5 days, if I actually needed to? I think financially I would manage it.

Any experiences, good or bad? In saying all this, I’ve no idea if my boss would go for it or what the criteria generally is for successful applicants…

Thank you!

I’d check the flexible working policy at your work place. Some will say you need to be there a certain time.
You have to request 12 weeks before the proposed change date and they have to reply within 28 days.
My request was denied due to needs of the business… pure bullshit but better than losing my job.

@Danikm1514 thanks - I will - I checked it before and it was encouraging but vague “talk to your manager” etc. I notice a lot of (women) colleagues have four day week / condensed hours working patterns noted in their signatures so they are open to it for sure.

I am curious though with regard to the signal or gives - for example does it mean I’m not coping with the workload (not true). I am interested in how it’s perceived from a HR and management perspective before I broach it.

@Danikm151 … that sounds very shit! Are they just not interested in accommodating employees?

I’m very fortunate to have landed this job (it was a competitive recruitment process

Based on this yes, you could definitely cause some ill-feeling. They would have made the hours clear and turned down other great candidates, so you may come across flaky and unreliable.

They could also be absolutely fine with it.

Are there other employees at your level who are part-time?

I tend to think having been recruited through a competitive process goes in your favour in situations like these. And if four day weeks are common in your line of work I don’t think people will bat an eyelid. It’s very common in my workplace and not just among parents - actually, I’d say it’s more common in the older staff. Certainly worth asking, OP.

Hmm interesting perspectives thanks. Yes I’ve noticed one senior manager works these hours - ok maybe it is worth dipping my toe in the subject.

They really sold the role to me on their family friendly policy (I was counter offered and both were great companies). The family friendly aspect was a huge factor in my decision.

However - it’s too soon isn’t it? I’ll be a year in dec, I am thinking to wait until I’m a full year in before asking?

You're not that new. I would ask now, starting with an informal chat with you manager.

Stating how much you enjoy the role, and are excited by the challenge ahead etc etc. And you wondered what his/her thoughts would be about going to 4 days. Would it be possible now, or at the future point when something materially has changed in the role?

Eg I'm waiting for a new system to be put in place. I cannot do my job in 4 days at the moment, I'm already doing 14hr days, but when I get this system I know that realistically it's possible to do my job in 80% of the time.

Wait, if you can. Then it seems less like you always intended to request this, but weren't transparent during the hiring process

What about asking for a nine day fortnight (condensed hours) - that's only another half hour a day and the impact of having one day off per fortnight will be lower.

From the business' point of view, can your role be done in 4 days? What's your plan for the work you would have done on the fifth day?

My firm is receptive to people working 4 days, but with the tacit understanding that you will rejig your day off to hit regular deadlines. And no explicit cover for the rest of the workload - it's down to the person or the rest of their team.

Was just going to suggest the condensed 9 day fortnight option. I do it and it works really well (also single parent).

This also means that things like pension contributions and holiday entitlements stay at the full time rate, whereas by doing a 4 day week you're losing 20% of those. Might be worth trying before asking to reduce hours.

I haven’t thought of a nine day condensed option! I’d gladly work an extra half an hour and I’m thinking now how I’d make that happen - I’d have to use breakfast club… but yes definitely worth considering. And yes I need to consider the 20% cut in pension contributions as much the salary as I’m maxing on my pension right now finally after stupidly reducing it after one of the babies.

Thanks so much everyone! It’s been really helpful to feel it out. I’m in the middle of a big project so I don’t think the time is right “right now” but when we get quieter and I’ve got our processes more established I think I’ll find my time to suggest it.

Thanks again you helpful people

@Justanothernametoday

Was just going to suggest the condensed 9 day fortnight option. I do it and it works really well (also single parent).

This also means that things like pension contributions and holiday entitlements stay at the full time rate, whereas by doing a 4 day week you're losing 20% of those. Might be worth trying before asking to reduce hours.

I honestly completely overlooked this and it’s so important!!

I’d gladly work an extra half an hour and I’m thinking now how I’d make that happen - I’d have to use breakfast club…

Some people at my place do it by reducing an hour lunch to half an hour so their start and finish times remain the same.

I work the 9 days condensed hours and it works pretty well. I’m supposed to take half an hour for lunch which means 8:45 - 5 pm with 15 mins extra for one day.