Requesting a change to working hours post baby.

[AshSplash]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for some advice.

I'm in the process of requesting amended working hours post baby (I'm the dad) and was hoping for tips and wisdom.

I had a semi informal chat with my boss today who said it was "highly unlikely" however I don't agree that his reasons were "reasonable" and he said that it wouldn't ultimately be his decision and did not discourage me from submitting an official request.

I'm putting together the official request and am countering all his points from the outset but there's a couple of things I'm not sure if I should include. Firstly he asked if I would consider looking for jobs elsewhere that offered what I'm looking for if they said no and I said l probably would. Should that go in my official request or is that more appropriate for the face to face part of the process?

There are also a couple of precedents I can cite, should these be included at this stage? I.e someone else whom has the exact schedule I'm asking for and another who has different but altered hours both post baby.

Lastly is it appropriate to "sell the dream" at this stage? Or should I keep it formal?

For more info: https://www.gov.uk/flexible-working/...ry-application

[Eloise01]

Re: Requesting a change to working hours post baby.

Oh no - never, ever threaten to leave if you don't get your own way. You have to be invaluable to do that, and almost nobody is as invaluable as they think.

Every request is individual to NOW, not what others already have. What they have already may be what makes it impossible! Keep your request formal and rational. Argue YOUR case, not somebody else's. In the end it can be refused. On business grounds. But you aren't there yet.

And may I congratulate you not only on being a new dad, but more so on being a dad asking for this. They are thankfully not rare anymore, but still less common. It's "always mum" and that isn't healthy - for mum and her employment, for equality generally, or for the nipper! I hope it's agreed and I hope you and junior(ess) can enjoy quality time together.

[AshSplash]

Re: Requesting a change to working hours post baby.

Hi Eloise,

Thanks very much for getting back to me with the good advice. I've formally submitted my request and am now waiting for their response

I'll let you know what happens.