Nervous

Resi · #1 March 11th, 2009, 07:30 AM

I want to ask my boss to let me work a 4 day week. I just talked to my co-worker about it (it would effect her some because we cover for each other) and she seemed okay with it. My boss�s daughter started working in our department about a month ago and she could cover for me on that day off. I want to try to work four 10 hour work days and have Wednesdays off. I'm nervous to ask because I never know what kind of mood he will be in. I know he isn't going to like it at first. He may let me after I state my reasons. Right before I came back from my maternity leave I asked about working 4 days and he agreed that I could. But, when I got my raise a couple months back he asked if I was going to continue to work FT and I said yes. Should I ask him in person or send an email explaining my reasons. I feel like he will pay attention to an email but if I go in and ask he might start huffing and puffing and not listen as well. This company is very small and family owned with a lot of flexibility.

Do you think that it's an expectable thing for me to ask for? I would like to start doing this in April if he is willing. That way we can continue to train his daughter Morgan to learn everything she needs to know. His daughter is 17 and has a 3 month old. She works PT. We both pump at work.

She may even want to work that Wednesday FT to get more hours if she is allowed to.

If anyone can give my some pointers and help on how to go about this I would be very grateful.

#2 March 11th, 2009, 07:45 AM

You're within your right (or at least in UK you are), to go back part time and your employer has to honour your decision. Therefore I can't see an issue with it... you're doing the same amount of hours.

How would you be being away from Oliver 10 hours per day though? It's a very long day for you to work

*Mrs.J.2011* · #3 March 11th, 2009, 08:22 AM

Well technically anything over 32 hours is full time and since it would be 4 10 hour days, you are still working 40 hours a week. Given your reasoning, I assume its so you can spend more time with Oliver, I dont see why it would be an issue, and like you said, he could give that day that you are off to his daughter, who I'm sure would welcome more hours if she has a little one at home too.

I dont have any suggestions on how to go about it, but I wanted to give some encouragement to go through with it!

Good luck!

Resi · #4 March 11th, 2009, 08:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by *Fiona*

You're within your right (or at least in UK you are), to go back part time and your employer has to honour your decision. Therefore I can't see an issue with it... you're doing the same amount of hours.

How would you be being away from Oliver 10 hours per day though? It's a very long day for you to work

It's different in the US so I don't have any rights here. Plus, with it being a very small company I have even less.

I would be OK with being away for 4 long days if it means an extra day with him. I would most likely work more like 9-9.5 hours rather than 10 per day. I would work as long as someone was in the buliding.

~Jess~ · #5 March 11th, 2009, 09:08 AM

I did that with my previous employer. I actually spent a lot of time compiling statistics & such & presented a report on my boss's desk outlining my request & proven benefits.

She still had to clear it with her supervisor but was so impressed that she really fought for them to allow it. They did.

Like you, I took Wed. off so it wasn't as disruptive to the office as a whole.

petalfuzz · #6 March 11th, 2009, 11:45 AM

I don't know what your boss thinks/feels about it, but if you're paid by the hour, and the office itself is open and running for 10 hours straight I don't see how it would cost him anything to let you have this flexibility. I wish you the best of luck when you approach him!

*Anna* · #7 March 11th, 2009, 02:21 PM

I think an email would be best first, and then he can read it and think about it all then you could follow up. My old boss was just like him, and I know what you mean- on his mood.

And 4- 10 hour days is still full time, so it shouldn't effect your status there. And I think its a great idea to do that. An extra day with Oliver will be sooo wonderful for you!!!

Mars · #8 March 11th, 2009, 05:45 PM

Jess made a good point about a report explaining and outlining your reasons, etc. I think you could do something similar but I don't think you should send an email. I always think that as tough as these situations may be, you should speak to him directly about it.

If you can cover the same amount of hours during the other days I don't see why it couldn't work. Good luck!

Mars · #9 March 11th, 2009, 05:45 PM

Jess made a good point about a report explaining and outlining your reasons, etc. I think you could do something similar but I don't think you should send an email. I always think that as tough as these situations may be, you should speak to him directly about it.

If you can cover the same amount of hours during the other days I don't see why it couldn't work. Good luck!

#10 March 11th, 2009, 07:53 PM

Sounds like a great idea Resi, and I have a good feeling that he will go for it, especially since you have discussed it before. Good luck! (sorry, right wrist is sprained = hard to type longer response!)

bittersweet · #11 March 12th, 2009, 05:51 AM

I think its a great idea. But I would mention it in person and bring a hard copy of ways you both can benefit from it.

Some cons he might think of....

-you may not be as productive working 10 hr/4 days per week as you are working 8 hrs/5days a week

-he will still be paying you 40 hrs per week plus he'd then have to start paying his daughters salary to pick up that day as well meaning more money will have to go into payroll.

Those are the only 2 things I could think he could have a problem with...so maybe think of ways around those items.

Good luck!

bittersweet · #12 March 12th, 2009, 05:51 AM

I think its a great idea. But I would mention it in person and bring a hard copy of ways you both can benefit from it.

Some cons he might think of....

-you may not be as productive working 10 hr/4 days per week as you are working 8 hrs/5days a week

-he will still be paying you 40 hrs per week plus he'd then have to start paying his daughters salary to pick up that day as well meaning more money will have to go into payroll.

Those are the only 2 things I could think he could have a problem with...so maybe think of ways around those items.

Good luck!

ShannonMVT · #13 March 12th, 2009, 03:38 PM

It never hurts to ask, the worst that can happen is that he gets a little irritated and says no. I hope you can work something out! Maybe he'll be understanding, considering his daughter has a baby, so he knows how that is.