Hybrid working - contract question

[Wonderbug81]

Just about to sign a new job contract.

The formal job description had said 'Hybrid working with min 3 days in office'.

Would it be usual to have this captured in a job contract (or even the offer letter) or is it normal to have it in a company policy so they can have some flexibility?

I don't want to ask for something to be added to a contract if it's not the usual thing.

The hybrid working may be non contractual and therefore it would be possible to request staff work from the office more frequently.

Why is this an issue for you? Hybrid working is presently offered with three days in the office. Are you saying you would never work 4 or 5 in the office? If so, yes raise it but be mindful the employer would be within their rights to withdraw the offer.

No it's even really an issue I just wondered if it should form part of the contract or offer letter.

"Should there be a reference to hybrid working in the contact?" I would just ask. Being hybrid is presumably part of the appeal of the job. I'd like it to be in my contract

If it's non contractual it won't be in the contract or offer letter. If it isn't a deal breaker, I.wouldn't raise it. The exception is if you have been headhunted and are a rainmaker or have sought after technical expertise in a particular field. For example, you have a track record of bringing in million pound contracts or niche data protection or cross border/doubke tax treaty expertise.

Ask but you might not get it included.

Given that some job requirements are suddenly changed post interview, as noted in a few threads here on MN, I don’t blame you for asking.

It’s always non contractual where I work.

Yes, if you want to have hybrid working indefinitely it needs to be in the contract.

We've just had a change of leadership and whilst the practice has been people wfh whenever it suits, the new boss wants everyone in, except by express written permission from him. A handful of people had put their foot down at recruitment and insisted it was confirmed in their contract, they are still employed flexibly.

The contracts can be varied, but the company would have to follow due process and so far haven't done

Mine is in the company policy: 60% of our working time must be in the office/events. Maximum of 40% home office. I work FTE 0.6 so two days in the office and two half days at home. The rumour is they are going to relax the policy a bit, I don't know if that means a different ratio or if it means you'll be allowed to work e.g. on holiday or out of the country. My boss said she had to have special permission when one of her IL's was taken ill so that she could work from their house.

DH's is also company policy and they are talking of increasing office based hours. At the moment they only have to be in the office 40% of the time.

I would want it incorporated into the offer letter at least.