When to Propose flex time?

jkelly41

hi- I want to propose to my boss a flex time schedule for after my maternity leave.  I have a few options I'd like to propose (four 10 hour days, an earlier schedule, or four days in office, one from home). 

I'm not sure when to talk with him about this.  I'd like to know what kind of daycare schedule as we start to narrow our choices.  Obviously, the schedule we need affects how much we'll pay.
TIA!!

RoxyLynn

You've got 3 alternate arrangements in that list.  A compressed workweek is 4 10-hour days.  An earlier schedule is flextime, and four days in-office, one from home is a telecommuting arrangement for which you will absolutely, 100% of the time need childcare.

Does your office currently allow any of these alternatives?

jkelly41

anything is possible- but it is not company policy to do things like this.  It's usually left up to individual offices or regions to determine.

tosababy

I would think about which option you'd like best and what would work best for you.  Then propose that (even if you're still open to the others).  As the previous poster pointed out, working from home one day a week will require full time child care.  Also, 4 10 hour days or flex time will require child care that is available at the times you need it (our daycare is only open 7:30 to 5:30 so it lends itself to a traditional schedule).  Keep in mind that 10 hour days might result in very little time with baby on those days by the time you add in the commute.  Most babies go to bed very early ... my 13 mo old DS still goes to bed between 7 and 7:30 every night.

Sooo ... once you've chosen what you'd like to do, I think you could make the proposal any time, since presumably they know you're pregnant and are probably wondering what the future will bring.  In fact, making the proposal now will show them you are committed to returning, which is a question in the mind of lots of employers regarding pregnant employees.

I'd write it your proposal and then set up a meeting with your boss.  Lay it out and see what he/she says.  Definitely include in writing your commitment to your job.  You also could include language in your proposal that indicates you are open to other arrangements if the primary one you've proposed is not workable.  Good luck.

jennytsk

I do four 9-hour days per week plus 2-3 hours at home per week, and work one Friday per month.  My daycare charges the same for 4 days or 5 days so it wasn't a savings but I get to spend 3 Fridays per month at home with the baby and that was worth it. I proposed it before I went on leave by writing up a formal proposal and then meeting w/my boss.

mrsnewlywed2005

honestly, if ur only halfway through your pg, i'd wait until after u deliver or even after ur maternity leave to discuss flex time.  (i.e. after year-end and the holidays).  in today's economy, there's very little wiggle room for flex employees and you don't want to brand yourself as such so early in the game.

just to put things into perspective, my dh was recently told that he was to evaluate and advise the company (large national corp) about who's getting cut and who's staying.  this is in a month, right before the holidays and year-end!  anyway, don't want to scare u, but just think about the timing.  gl w/ your decision... i hope u get ur flex time!

RoxyLynn

Is it possible to do this as a group proposal?  Obviously they can't offer you special benefits and accommodations just because you've had a baby - face it, most women just plain old go back to work FT and don't make special requests. 

But if you can get a group together, including some folks who are childfree and other demographics, you'll have a better chance at getting this implemented companywide.