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Two weeks ago my nanny left and I asked my boss to work from home while I find a new nanny. He allowed me to do so for two and a half weeks. I then asked my boss if I could work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays because my new nanny needs to leave early on those days for personal reasons. Before I finished speaking, my boss told me no. He said that I should fix this issue as early as possible. He also mentioned that while it is not his decision but if he takes it to personel, they will say not because this is a strictly 9-5 job. I felt like I was knocked down heard. I broke down and cried. Can anyone offer help? ”

Asked by Vera Babayeva on 22nd May 2008 | 3 replies

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3 replies so far...

In my experience, in order to obtain a flexible work arrangement (flexible hours or place), you must create a "business case" for doing so. That is, you must prove to the company that it is in its best interest to provide you with the flexibility. Unfortunately, saying you want to work from home because your nanny leaves early sounds like you will be tending to your children while you are working. I was able to work from home because it saved the company money (they were able to use my space at the office for someone else, they were able to allocate the office overhead away from me saving my department money). What is your business case for working from home? Is it possible for you to work additional hours on your other days to enable you to leave work earlier on Tuesdays and Thursdays? Is it possible to put your child in daycare on those two days (or, at least for a few hours in the afternoon)?

Flag as inappropriate Posted by phinellie on 22nd May 2008
From my experience, it works best to present how working from home will benefit the company, not your personal situation. Perhaps you can put together a proposal detailing the benefits of you working from home to present a solid case for him and the company. Reassure him that you are still available from 9-5 and business will continue as usual. Suggest a 60- or 90- day trial period where you can evaluate the arrangement and see if it works. If it's not your manager's decision, I would present it to him explaining that you know it's not his decision but you would appreciate his support and let him know that you would like to propose this to HR. That way it doesn't look you are going above his head. Find out if he has any specific objections so you can be sure to address those. There are quite a few resources online that you can research and get some excellent information to support your case. I would be happy to send you some information I've come across if you'd like.

Flag as inappropriate Posted by April Mims, Career Coach on 22nd May 2008
I'm so sorry to hear about your conundrum. I used to work for a very family-friendly company - wow, did I ever take that for granted! I didn't know how good I had it.

A few things to consider: could you hire a different nanny for Tues/Thurs and keep this one on for Mon/Wed/Fri? Or does your husband's job have the flexibility to come home early when she needs to leave? Have you talked to HR at your company? What is the policy on working from home? You could submit an official proposal for flexi-time (see workoptions.com to purchase a template) and see where that gets you. The key is to sell it as how it will benefit THEM, the company.

If you're not really "married" to this nanny so to speak, maybe you should consider hiring one that is available the hours you need her. Have you ever considered hosting an au pair for example? With an au pair, it is totally flexible. She lives with your family, she can work up to 45 hours a week, and the cost ends up being around $300 a week, which isn't bad especially if you have more than one child. Cultural Care Au Pair currently has a promotion going on - if you apply before May 30th, you can get $500 off. (Just ask me for the code to enter on your online application if you decide to go that route.)

Let me know if you have any questions, and whatever you decide to do - good luck! That's a terrible position to be in. If only people could be more understanding!

Flag as inappropriate Posted by Caitlin on 22nd May 2008