Phased return / flexible working request

[Estateagent33]

After emergency surgery following an ectopic pregnancy, I am on phased return to work 50 % week 1 65% week 2 and so on for, a four week perioid. I have decided I want to put in a flexible working request to drop 1 day a week.

When would be best to put this into to my employer? During my phased return or should I wait until after it is completed?

I am concerned my employer may decide i am not fit for purpose and lose my job is that something that can result in a flexible working request?

I would put it in asap rather than waiting until you’re supposed to be back full time to give them time to consider it and either approve or deny.

You can’t be let go for requesting flexible working however they can refuse your flexible working request.

@Mrsttcno1 thank you, I will in that case.

Hello OP; I am sorry to hear about your ectopic pregnancy and I hope you recover swiftly.

I hope this isn't an insensitive comment, and it certainly isn't meant as so. Just note if you do drop down to 4 days (which I do by the way - it is fabulous!), be aware if/when you feel ready for another pregnancy, your maternity pay will be reduced accordingly.

As I say, I hope that isn't insensitive. But it is something I have had friends of mine get caught out on.

Wishing you all the best OP, take care

As for flexible working, I would put this in now. I think companies have 2 months to decide whether or not it will work for the business. So no harm in doing this now.

To maximise success (and hopefully put your mind at rest whilst you wait for formal approval!) it may be worth having an informal chat with your employer before submitting formally.

@Sausagedog101 Not at all insensitive, after 5 rounds of failed IVF then falling pregnant naturally to result in emergency surgery I think, just about tipped me over the edge. Ive decided that I will just have to be content with being sausage dogs mummy instead. But I couldn't put that in my flexible working request. (My dogs would prefer if I was home and extra day 🤣) x

Good for you, @Estateagent33

I work 4 days and it is a lovely balance. You feel 'full time' enough to still be an integral part of the team and progress your career, but equally have an extra day at home to spend as you please.

Sending you lots of hugs. I am so sorry to hear you have been going through such a tough time.

Take good care of yourself and enjoy an extra day with your lovely dogs! 🐶

Put it in asap. I said as part of my return to work I was considering dropping hours/1 day a week.. was given phased return and made it part of my adjustments on my return following sickness. If you put it in now it will be linked to your sickness and therefore they have to honour it, if it's part of reasonable adjustments. If you wait, just looks like an ad hoc request and loses the significance.

@SummerRose999 thank you, one of my friends who is HR pointed this out to me yesterday and to make aure it was stated on the form about my doctor supporting it, as that would be an important factor for my employerto consider. I put the request in last night and my boss has WhatsApp'ed me this morning to acknowledge receipt.

Oh I feel so apprehensive about it.

Don't be, easier said than done, I know!

Employers have to have legitimate reasons to turn down. In my experience, 4 day requests are generally not challenged. 3 day requests can be a bit more troublesome.

When you get approval, make sure your workload is reduced by 20 percent, so you don't end up doing a full weeks worth of work in 4 days. So be disciplined!