Working from home

[RememberBeKindWithKaren]

Hi, I've not managed a team of eight until a couple of years back and requests for flexible working have not been something I've dealt with.

One member of staff is asking about this. I have set up a meeting with HR soon. Meanwhile can you please let me know what the next steps usually are, in particular if mental health issues have been given as one of, or the main reason? This member of staff was actually working for HR a couple of years ago so I am aware that they will know the typical way these requests are handled. From past experience on mumsnet here, I know people often expect managers to be up on this but I am not. I'm just after the general principles involved.

Does your organisation have policies on flexible working or support in the workplace for mental health? I'd be familiarising yourself with anything you've got, and if you can't find them I'd be asking HR asap.

It’s no good asking here because you need to know your own organisation’s policies and procedures as well as the law, and no-one here can advise you about those.

I’d suggest to have a look at the legal side on the ACAS website first and then ask your HR to walk you through the process.

How huge is your company that you can’t speak to HR when you need to? Wow. That’s not acceptable.

I agree with others. You need to look at your company's policies, as everyone here will have different jobs, different policies, and different experiences.

Because you line manage someone, that doesn't mean you can make the decision for the organisation. You need to familiarise yourself with this before arranging a meeting.

From past experience on mumsnet here, I know people often expect managers to be up on this but I am not

Do you not think you should be able to manage, anx know what policies you should be working within, given that's the job you're paid for?

You need to balance the needs of the organisation with this person's request, also factors like collaborative working and training new staff, this is usually much more effective in person.

You also need to be clear what they're asking for, is it WFH or flexible working, which isn't necessarily the same thing.

You also need to consider the rest of your team, don't agree to anything you wouldn't be able to allow to others if the rest of the team all made the same request - that really gets people's backs up.

I have set up a meeting with HR soon.

I hope that's a meeting between just you and HR to discuss process and policies first, to make sure you're all on the same page and that they understand your team and its needs. And then make sure you're following the correct procedures once the employee is brought into the process.

The other thing is to make sure you remember to address both issues separately: supporting your employee with their mental health regardless of whether they end up WFH or not, and then separately addressing the WFH request. Both issues need to be discussed.

Piece of string question I am afraid as it all depends on your company's policies and how these are administered. First step is for you to have a meeting with just you and HR to make sure you are clear on what the policy entails.

You need to consult your HR person and employers policies on flexible working requests and remote working.

if they don’t have any then research on the ACAS website and follow statutory guidance.

I’d speak to the previous manager to see if this request was previously submitted and if so, why it was declined. Just for background. And look at this request afresh in line with your company’s policy. Be aware that others will ask too if this gets approved however it’s wrong to knee jerk to say no. Life’s changed since Covid. Why can we be more understanding.

I don’t think my office allows permanent home based working as there are tax implications or something. But wfh and flexi hours are fine, providing the work is covered.

Should be a HR policy on this.
Flexible working is usually considered in line with business needs.
Id make an OH referral and see what age advise.

Thanks everyone.. I think permanent WFH arrangements are usually discouraged but one or two people who have particular needs have negotiated different conditions where it fits with the needs of the business..

I didn't mean to suggest that HR are unavailable..they are there if I need to talk, I just wanted to schedule a proper meeting about this. And yes we do have a policy. I have had holiday today but I will certainly be reading it carefully when I get in.

@RememberBeKindWithKaren As a manager your role is to balance business and employee needs.

Questions to consider

• What is the impact on the team if one member WFH?
• Are there jobs that can’t be done from home?
• Do they want to be 100% WFH or hybrid?
• How will you manage performance? Have 1:2:1s, team meetings etc.?
• What happens if everyone applies to WFH?
• What is the reason the employee wants to WFH? Is it due to a disability so it’s a reasonable adjustment rather than flexible working?
• Do you need an OH referral?
• What are the policies? Is there flexibility?
• Does the job require face to face meetings with clients or customers?
• Will IT network and equipment support WFH?

Try to draw up a protocol that you can apply to all future requests so you are treating every application consistently.

Thanks very much @Harassedevictee , that's a really helpful list of pointers. I appreciate that 🙏

I mentioned an OH referral today but HR don't seem to want to go down that route yet. I've been through the Flexibke working policy and it doesn't say much. Yes,going to have to work out the impact of this person WFH on everyone else's tasks..it would certainly affect a few others so I need to think how one or two days away from the office would work for everyone else. Lots to get my head round. Thank you.