When your employer’s ‘hybrid work’ model isn’t flexible

Each week, Dr Kirstin Ferguson tackles questions on the workplace, career and leadership in her advice column “Got a Minute?” This week, a rigid hybrid work model, a transitioning employee faces bullying and the pros and cons of a PhD.

My employer has said we can adopt a hybrid approach to working (three days in the office and two from home) but any change to our working arrangements requires employees to provide three months’ notice. I know lots of other companies in my industry give people the opportunity to design their own weeks – or work from home exclusively. I am thinking of changing jobs to find one that is more flexible. Before I do, is there anything you recommend I look for?

You are not alone in wanting to look around for employers that understand flexibility now means true flexibility. Having to plan three months in advance for any change in circumstances hardly seems particularly flexible.

If you decide to move to a new role, I would be asking to understand in detail what their policies towards hybrid work are, how personal arrangements are set (for example, can you decide what days you come into the office or is it a team decision which has presumably already been set).

I would ask how often you are expected to come into the office, the process for making changes to your arrangements and whether there are any expected days or periods of the year you must work in the office.

Most employers have developed an employee value proposition around workplace flexibility whether it is “work anywhere”, “flexible first” or “remote always” with some mix in between. If a prospective employer hasn’t thought about these issues then you will know it is not the place for you.

I am in the process of transitioning and my employer has been fantastic. They offer me whatever I need in terms of time away from the office and access to EAP. The problem is my other team members who don’t seem to want to understand what I am going through and make comments behind my back. They are never stupid enough to say it in front of one of our bosses or to my face but I know they don’t respect me or what I am experiencing. I I feel like my employer has already done so much and I don’t want to cause any trouble. What should I do?

You are experiencing bullying which is totally unacceptable in any modern workplace. It sounds like your employer has been very supportive and I wonder whether there is someone in HR or a senior leader you trust to ask their advice?

Any good employer, and it sounds like you have one, will want to ensure you are protected and that those who are bullying you are dealt with appropriately. You are already going through so much, you should not have to tolerate bullying from your work colleagues as well.