How can I make my working hours more flexible?
April 9, 2024 | 40,00 EUR | answered by Sofia Vöss
Dear lawyer,
My name is Wilhelm Siebert and I have been working as a sales representative in a medium-sized company for three years. In the past few months, my personal situation has changed and I urgently need more flexible working hours.
Until now, I have been working from Monday to Friday from 8:00 am to 5:00 pm. However, due to family obligations and private challenges, I am no longer able to adhere to these rigid working hours. I need more flexibility to be able to manage my tasks both at work and in my personal life.
My supervisor has been uncooperative and resistant to my request for more flexible working hours. He insists on the fixed working hours and sees no possibility to accommodate my needs. This situation is causing me great concern, as I fear that my performance and motivation could suffer as a result.
Therefore, I would like to ask you how I can make my working hours more flexible without jeopardizing my job. Are there any legal regulations or entitlements that I can invoke? How can I best communicate my concerns to my employer in order to find a solution that is acceptable to both parties?
I thank you in advance for your support and look forward to your expert advice.
Sincerely,
Wilhelm Siebert
Dear Mr. Siebert,
Thank you for your inquiry regarding more flexible working hours in your company. It is understandable that personal situations can change, and it is important to find a good balance between work and personal life. In your case, it is especially important that you and your employer find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.
First of all, it is important to know that there are legal regulations that grant employees the right to flexible working hours. In particular, the Working Hours Act should be observed, which sets certain framework conditions for the organization of working hours. According to § 8 (1) of the Working Hours Act, employees are entitled to a rest period of at least 11 hours between two working days. In addition, overtime and break regulations should be considered.
If you need more flexible working hours due to family obligations or personal challenges, you should communicate this to your employer. It is advisable to have a conversation with your supervisor and explain your reasons for wanting more flexible working hours. Try to make specific suggestions on how you could make your working hours more flexible without affecting the company's operations.
If your supervisor continues to react negatively, you may also consider applying for part-time work or another form of working hour reduction. In Germany, employees have a basic right to part-time employment according to § 8 of the Part-Time and Fixed-Term Employment Act. Your employer is obligated to carefully consider and seriously consider this request.
If you have difficulty reaching an agreement with your employer, it may be advisable to consult an experienced labor law attorney. An attorney can help you enforce your rights and find a solution that is acceptable to both parties.
I hope that this information is helpful to you and wish you success in advocating for your interests.
Sincerely,
Sofia Vöss
Labor Law Attorney
