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I’ve seen this discussed before, but struggling at the moment to remember what normal life was like, so hoping for some experiences from the enlightened on here.
I’m 29, with no kids. I was turned down for a compressed fortnight (full hours in 9 days) last year for “business reasons”. Basically the worry I wouldn’t be available to clients all the time.
It was announced today that our team will be expanding by 1 person. When I asked what their role will be I was told that nothing is yet set in stone. So I’m thinking about the suggestion of them taking 10% of my role, and me doing 9 normal hours days a fortnight as part time.
Can anyone see how this is a bad idea? We can afford the pay cut (I recently had a decent pay rise so wouldn’t be a super shock), and the gain of 25 days off per year to loose 10% of my leave allowance seems like a good deal to me.
Sounds great
But you would also lose 10% of your holiday allowance
So for example if your on 21days AL + 8bankhols
On a 9 in 10 contract you would be only entitled to 18.9days AL
So your net gain for working 9 in 10 days would be an additional 24 days off not 25 (if my maths is correct)
Also 10% less pension contribution and 10% less bonus if there is one
Also at my place part time workers are paid standard rate for OT rather than 1.5x or 2x that the full time employees earn(depending on your role or desire this may not matter)
May also affect length of service when looking at pensions. Or redundancy.
But if you can afford it now, do it.
If the day you take off is a Monday you get back bank holidays as time or money depending on what you agree.
I can't remember the details but aren't there limits on how many ti.es you can apply for flexible working I a given period?
Either way if some one has decided it won't work, good luck trying to pursuade them. The idea that you are always available isn't valid in my opinion. You wouldn't be available if already working with a client, engaged in another business activity, on holiday or off sick.
I previously worked 4 days as I'm in a similar situation. New job is also 4 days due to covid slow down but I'm likely to be asked (required) to go back to 5 as things pick up.
Be careful you aren't in effect agreeing to a 10% wage cut for the same expected amount of work. Not always the case but it is quite common in some types of job.
I did it as my first step into part time - alternate Wednesdays off. Yes there's a drop in your capacity which you have to adhere to and ensure others respect to avoid the 'full time work in part time hours' trap. I did get the odd request for meetings & stuff on some of my off days and either declined, delegated or if necessary shifted my non working day. I only lasted a year though before deciding that alternate Wednesdays was a PITA so I might as well take all of them off and go 4 days a week. Next logical step would be to drop to a 3/4 pattern or just straight to 3, but it's more likely I'll quit altogether.
As has been said, it's important to factor in the pension side to, if it works out financially including that then go for it.
I’m 29, with no kids. I was turned down for a compressed fortnight (full hours in 9 days) last year for “business reasons”. Basically the worry I wouldn’t be available to clients all the time.
Are you a bloke by any chance?
I'm mid 50's bloke and was turned down 2 years ago with the same argument. When I found out that 2 colleagues (same department, different team) were subsequently given compressed hours, I put in for it again.
Nope, still no due to "not compatible with our business approach". I queried the how come the 2 had got it. Turns out their Managers had allowed it, whereas mine had requested HR approval.
HR have now issued a statement saying no compressed hours but anyone with 'agreements' (some are long, long term) can continue.
Would it surprise anyone to know that we've no blokes with compressed hours, only women?
I work a 9 day fortnight. Every other Friday off.
It's snowing and I'm just about to strap the skinny skis on for a pootle round the local hills.
Be careful you aren’t in effect agreeing to a 10% wage cut for the same expected amount of work. Not always the case but it is quite common in some types of job.
That's pretty much a given, sadly. I work a 4 day week, so 20% less pay, not seeing a reduction in workload compared to colleagues. I tend not to attend "optional" meetings to help me find time.
And to reflect my 20% less time my apprenticeship deadline has been extended by 5%.
The gender thing is interesting. My initial request for flexible working at my previous civil service agency was declined for business reasons, so I actually handed in my resignation as the situation wasn't sustainable.
The union rep collared me and pointed out that two mums had had requests approved at the same time. The union made an approach suggesting gender discrimination, and I was welcomed back part time with open arms. I was the first dad who had ever requested it in our department. I'm pleased to say that 5-6 years on I know if a few more dad's who are now on flexible working arrangements and able to have a decent work/life balance.
I have gone 90% but work 5 days per week winter and will be starting 4 days per week for 6m from end of Feb. Works as I get the best days off for my 10% - not a wasted day at home in November. My holiday allowance was cut by 10% so to get to my 5 weeks off I have use one of my non working days.
I reckon I will be a bit busier on the working days but TBH I am prefer being busy as the day passes faster - managed through last years lockdown on a 4 day week.
Although only a day it made a massive difference to wellbeing as life felt more balanced - more like 50 work / 50 home rather than work all week and a weekend that’s gone before you know it.
I have clients to look after but provided I am flexible nobody cares. Rarely something happens on a Friday afternoon that can’t wait till Monday.
@intheboarders - looks like your company has let the cat out of the bag of compressed hours. Talk to your Union rep and mention to them that the approach appears to be sexist. May not work as if you have young children or caring responsibility the company has to give good reason not to let you work flexibly but if not they can just decide. That's more or less how I remember the rules.
Not got a workplace Union - then start one!
Our company lets us only partially compress hours to prevent people working silly long days. I work a 9 day fortnight but at 96% hours. It's complicated and always needs a bit of negotiation and compromise to get it right.
I went to a 9 day fortnight about a year back. I took the corresponding pay cut. Increased my pension contributions to make up for the difference. It’s brilliant i have every other Weds off. Pre-covid, it meant during term time i have a day off to surf, ride etc. During school holidays I’m around more to help. If you can afford it why not?
I had a 9-day fortnight for a couple of years ago. It was 10 days' work squashed into 9 days so no financial considerations. What I will say is that it was BRILLIANT. Every second weekend was a long weekend - camping, bike trips etc. are so much better with an extra day.
If I could afford it, I'd be doing it again. Not quite there yet though.
Would it surprise anyone to know that we’ve no blokes with compressed hours, only women?
Ripe for an Equalities Act legal case that one.
I do a 9 in 10 working day pattern, every other Monday off.
I do the 70 hours (35hr week contract) over two weeks over the 9 days rather than 10 so my wage, pension, holiday entitlements remain etc. You only have to work a little bit more each day, which in the current climate of working from home is real easy as theres no commuting time to factor in.
I'd certainly recommend to anyone if you can as the benefits are huge.