Approaching boss about changing hours/days

[megs_95]

I have just received all my study materials for my diploma (as a distance student), having finished my Cert 3 not even 2 months ago. Several weeks ago I approached my boss about changing to a four day week in the new year - four longer days instead of five 8-hour days - so that I would have more time to study, while still working. She said she would consider it but sounded unconvinced, and reminded me that my job comes first before study.

I'm not sure how to approach this with my boss again. I want to discuss it again within the next few weeks as she's now planning staffing arrangements for next year. I'm just not really confident in asking for things I want :/ Working four longer days would really let me dedicate some time to my study, while still being focussed on my job. After all, I'm doing this course to further my knowledge and abilities in my job! I'm happy to work whichever four days suit the centre and several others work four longer days, so it's not an arrangement they don't do or something like that...

I don't know, I'm so stumped as to how I can professionally and assertively discuss this again

[Lorina]

Since you are making this request for next year as she is currently doing the roster than it's best to try and negotiate your hours now rather than later. I think your boss's main concern would be who will be able to cover your hours when your not working. Even though it's not your problem to work out, your boss will have to fill in the spot to cover you on your day off.

I think the best way to approach this would be to discuss how working 4 days a week will benefit the centre rather than you. You could give reasons for example - starting early will give you an opportunity to talk to the parents and settle the children and working to close can give you an opportunity to help set up the experiences for the next day. You could also mention that the quicker you get your Diploma complete will benefit the centre as you will be an extra Diploma qualified available. You can come up with examples that will suit your centre... Only if it's the last option you could suggest that 1 every fortnight you could work a 4 day week...

I also have some information from Fair Work Australia on requesting flexible working conditions:

Flexible Arrangements Within The Workplace

Hope this helps,

,
L.A

[Lorina]

Sorry just to add you should try and also think of which 4 days are the busiest that you can work in the room and the one day off will possible be one the slowest day (with less children). You should also mention this to your boss during the negotiation.

For example:

"M, W, Th and F and the busiest days in the room so I more than happy to work the longer hours on these four days. I can assist the other staff in the room with the children and support them to deliver the program. On Tue since we have less children I can take my RDO then (rosted day off)...

,
L.A