Do you think this is a reasonable request? Working from home…

[TheJungleBook]

Hi all,

Just wanted to gain some diverse perspectives. I currently work 3 days a week in the office and 2 days from home, working 40 hours per week. My commute typically takes 1 hour 20 mins in the morning and 1 hour 10 mins in the evening. Over three days, it’s manageable. However, recently, the commute has become a nightmare, it’s taking me 2 hours to get in every morning as the traffic is getting worse and worse. It’s really affecting my work-life balance, and my pre-existing mental health problems are getting worse. My autoimmune condition has also flared up and I’m pretty miserable tbh!

I’m a qualified and experienced professional and am only earning £1.40 over the hourly minimum wage, so it’s really not worth all the stress and hassle!

Anyway, I’ve asked to re-negotiate my contract to specify one mandatory in-office day rather than three, and I’ve been met with resistance. For context, I really like my colleagues and I like the office banter, however there is no need for us to be in the office - our work is carried out entirely remotely anyway.

Ultimately, I want to move jobs and am applying elsewhere, because I’m not satisfied with the company in any case.

However, do you think this is a reasonable request on my part?

Hi,

You should be able to submit a flexible working request. I'm no expert but I believe that the business would have to have valid and documented detrimental to the business reasons to refuse.

If you have a documented MH and auto immune condition (would either of these qualify as a disability? Ongoing continuous over 12 months) have you asked for an Occupational Health Assesment? They will
Make recommendations which can also include WFH.

I think you have to consider two aspects:

1. Your health - if you are seriously endangering your physical and emotional well-being, then you should seek professional advice/support. It can be some help and comfort - and help give you some perspective - even if someone is there just to listen.
2. Your career - if you are planning to leave and have good chances of finding something soon, then maybe just grin and bear it (if you can) so you leave your current employer on good terms.

I imagine when you took the job you were aware that you had a lengthy commute? You can put in for flexible working but I can understand why you are being met with resistance. You will not be the only person who sits in traffic. Can’t you start earlier or leave later to try avoid the rush?

What Generic said.

@biscuitnut I was and almost declined the job on that basis. But I’ve since got used to it. It’s only now with the lengthening commute, the worsening health and the general unhappiness at the company that I want to make changes.

@biscuitnut I was and almost declined the job on that basis. But I’ve since got used to it. It’s only now with the lengthening commute, the worsening health and the general unhappiness at the company that I want to make changes. I could leave earlier although I already leave early, and given the rate of pay, it just doesn’t seem worth it!

Ask for a referral to occupational health, they will ask about your health conditions, aspects of your job impacting your health and wellbeing, and will make recommendations for reasonable adjustments which could include additional WFH days

As a reasonable adjustment if you have a disability or health condition.

If you're not happy etc think about moving on.

a drop to one day a week is probably a bit much from 3 days, especially if everyone is mandated to 3. Could you see if they would accept 2 days in the office instead?

@AgnesX Yeah, I was very tempted to just hand in my notice today. I think moving on is the best option!

Out of interest will they let you change your hours ie could you start earlier to beat the traffic?