If you had a choice of these flexible working options...

[NatMoz]

Background: child will start school September 2024

Would you:

A- work 3 days compressed (7-5ishpm) 3 days a week, potentially pick child up from school (30 min break) then carry on working for an hour or so 2 days a week, 3rd day after-school club. Positives 2 days off a week including school holidays before annual leave is taken into account, negatives- maybe an hour or so of working while a child watches tv.

B- work same hours over 4 days (roughly 7-3ish). Positives, can accrue flexi leave for up to an additional 20 days a year, wouldn't have to work in the evening, no afterschool club, negatives- 1 day off a week, less guaranteed days covered in school holidays.

Not really sure what would be best. Could do with parent perspectives with children in school

To add, there is flexible working 7am-7pm so i could in theory work when my husband gets home maybe 6-7pm after we've had tea etc

I'd do B. I would find A more tiring rushing around and juggling kids and work after school. If you can accrue up to 20 days flexi time that would balance out the extra days working in the holidays (around 13 weeks per year).

B without a shadow of doubt. Am guessing this is civil service? The flexi leave is soooo useful.

B
Think long term, and this pattern sounds more sustainable. Don’t underestimate the impact of starting school. They’re usually exhausted and may need more support than tv whilst you get on with work. I also don’t like it when colleagues “nip out to do the school run”. The reality is they’re unavailable from 2.30 most days. Then even if they catch up in the evening they’ve missed meetings or other work. I realise that’ll be an unpopular opinion but I still think it’s difficult to work with small children at home.

B, definitely.

B definitely

B! No question

Do not underestimate how important flexi time is, or how difficult it is to work with them at home with you (even if only for an hour) until they get to about Y2

I'd choose B to facilitate after school play dates or activities. I think it will be less stressful for you too.

B

B. Sounds way less stressful

B because it'd be more chilled for you and your child (i.e. they won't notice you work/ you'll be around for them more) . Not that it's a criticism of people who work full time at all - I do.