Civil Service - flexible working pattern

[TravellingJack]

I've been offered a CS job and am due to start in a few months - still to confirm a date but have got necessary clearance.

At interview and in a couple of conversations since with my soon-to-be manager, flexibility has been loosely discussed. She's aware of my current compressed working pattern (public sector) but I'm unsure when to formally request a similar pattern in my new role. It wouldn't have to be exactly the same and it's not a dealbreaker if I don't get it immediately, but with the increase from 2 to 3 office-based days, it is something I'd like to have as soon as possible, but without pissing anyone off before I even start!

Does anyone have experience of asking this (or receiving the request from a new start) when joining the CS? Any advice welcome!

When I've got a new role I always ask to have a discussion with the manager in that interim period so we can talk without pretence now the campaign is over to talk frankly about the role, what will be expected of me and also flexibility. It's not quite as formal as it sounds but I like to feel confident going into a new role, and I usually have some red lines so I know whether to proceed, so better to get it sorted then. (This is civil service).

Definitely discuss it now before you've started, it's much easier to get it agreed up front than it will be to try and change your working pattern once you're in post.

Compressed hours is one of the most common working patterns, just about everyone in my new team seems to do it, me included!

If you want to work less days in the office though it might not be agreed so readily as previously as some depts are under pressure not to give out more contractual arrangements.

Well, I emailed my manager-to-be and the response was that it could be applied for after probation and after 6mo in role, so just normal timescales for putting in a standard flexi working request. I'm not sure what to do next! Tbh the language used made it sound like there's a moderate chance it would be rejected... I don't want to push it but I suppose I was under the impression that I'd be able to negotiate to have this in place before starting, rather than waiting 6mo before I can even apply for it.

It would make life a lot easier to have this one day where I can catch up on things and have a bit more quality time with my family. At the moment, I tend to leave major cleaning, admin etc to my day off, esp as I'm working longer days, so if I don't have that day to catch up, I'll have to fit things in during my working day which I've always tried to avoid as it breaks my concentration! (ETA - by this I mean taking a proper lunch break to get things done when wfh, as I normally just work through lunch. I don't mean skiving off to clean the bathroom when I should be working!)

Ah well - no point stressing myself out worrying or risking irritating my new manager by pushing for it so I'll have to get used to the idea... unless anyone has any more advice!!

Have you asked about flexi time specifically rather than flexible working?

If you can do flexi time, it is possible to effectively do a 9 day fortnight. So work 8:15 minute days and have one days flexi a fortnight. Don’t be blatant about it as at first you may need to do 5 days whilst learning the role but have say one days flexi in each of the first two months then 2 a month. Switch the days I.e. don’t go for Fridays and Mondays - have a Wednesday.

Once in the job you will soon get a feel for what others do. You can also check out the Flexible working and flexi time policies.

Hi, I'm in the Civil Service and we do flexi, as long as you work your contracted hours in the month it's pretty easy to do but I would wait until you've finished your probation and 6 months in the role. To be honest it depends, for example where I work there are two of us in the same post but one of us always needs to be in. See how it is when you start. There is such a thing as compressed hours though in the Civil Service which is what I think you're wanting to do but again, I'd wait until you've got your feet under the table.

It really depends on the job and department. The 'Civil Service' is hugely varied so it's down to individual employers, or often departments within those employers as to what is allowed.

Thanks for the replies. I think I do just need to wait and get settled into the role, find out what colleagues do etc. My worry was partly around the change to wfh the other week. The flexibility and ability to wfh 3 days a week was a draw, and as it's now changing to 3 days in the office, it will have a bigger impact due to the commute x 3 instead of x 2, to the extent that I briefly considered turning it down! I know it doesn't sound much of a change but it's over an hour's drive each way, zero public transport options, so it's quite a lot more time (increase from 5-6 hours commuting a week to more like 8-9) and also cost, both financial and tiredness!

I hadn't considered flexitime because it was withdrawn in my current role during covid so not on my radar anymore, one reason being that there was no way of logging people's hours, so that might be a good alternative. I will ask (later!) about this and see what others do in that regard too. Might actually work out better than having a fixed day off!

@TravellingJack sensible approach. Whilst it can vary depending on Dept and role flexitime is embedded in the CS so you should find out very quickly if your role is eligible.