Mums at work

[Mummyjustwantstowork]

Hi advice needed please, after my maternity leave of 9 months I returned back to work full time but they have allowed me to work from home for 2 days due to childcare arrangements. Nothing was ever said like I have got to be back In The office full time by a certain date. There are some colleagues in the office complaining to management that they think I should now be in the office 5days, who are they to say this when they don’t know my circumstances. My boss has now arranged a meeting as she wants to know how long I will be working from home until, me working from home doesn’t effect anyone else I have an office set up with all the systems I need plus I have the phone line linked to home so I can answer office calls.

where do I stand here as I can’t go back in the office as my childminder can only have my 20mth year old son 3 days a week I work hard and I work 830-1730 as a transport planner, all of this is because of pure jealousy in the office as they want to work from home also

pleas advise x

If I’ve read and understood your message correctly I’m not surprised colleagues are complaining and asking that you be made to come to the office 5 days a week if you’re trying to wfh for 2 days with a child. You cannot do both a full days work and a full days childcare. I appreciate a 9month old will have a good couple of naps but what about the rest of the day? And what are you going to do in a few months time when they sleep less and are cruising around? Many of us learnt the hard way during covid that wfh with young kids is not sustainable or healthy. Whilst this link is tragic and I don’t mean to scaremonger it’s a prime example of why it wasn’t the norm before covid and shouldn’t ever be expected metro.co.uk/2020/12/02/baby-drowned-in-hot-tub-while-mum-worked-from-home-during-lockdown-13687584/amp/

There are some colleagues in the office complaining to management that they think I should now be in the office 5days, who are they to say this when they don’t know my circumstances

They're the ones who are having to do the extra work that you're neglecting 2 days a week. Ffs WFH isn't to allow people to look after their children. If you're WFH 2 days a week you should still have childcare in place. Entitled attitudes like yours are why so many employers are getting more & more people back in the office.

If you can't get childcare then be honest and apply for flexible working and only work- and be paid for 3 days a week

Typical OP has suddenly realised the thread isnt going to go her way.

Of course you can’t ‘WFH’ and look after a child! You are meant to be working! I’d be annoyed as a colleague of yours too!

’OP has asked us to remove this thread as they’re leaving the site’ coming in 3,2,1…

Are you trying to look after your little one while working on the other days?

You will have to pay for childcare.
You can't wfh with a baby

You can put a formal flexible working request in to allow you to work from home.
They can refuse the request but a formal request would be your first step.

Put your child in nursery for the 2 days you're wfh. What's the deal with the child's father?

It’s not jealousy. It’s because you’re taking the piss by pretending to be working but actually taking care of your child.

Looks like you need to drop to 3 days?

You cannot work and look after a 19 month old and you collegues know this. If this is tmreally the case no wonder they are kicking up a fuss - you are getting paid to look after your dc!

Seriously OP, is this a serious post or a wind up post?

You can't wfh and look after a child. Surely you must know that.

How on earth can you work and look after a toddler 😱

I too would be hacked off if I was your colleague, you are absolutely taking the piss.

Childcare isn't your employer's issue.

Where I work if your children are under 10 they expect you to have childcare in place when wfh. For over 10yo they're a bit more flexible.

I’m working from home one day next week with our 10yo at home because he'll be tired from travelling and is happy to have a lazy day. No way would I work with a baby.