Expected Level Of Flexibility

crimson king · Post by **crimson king** » 20 Nov 2018, 17:39

Had a phone call from HR today regarding problems I've been having with management and the overrunning procedure. I found the person a bit confrontational to be honest, which was both surprising and not surprising, if you know what I mean?

Anyway, several times they chucked the phrase "expected Level of flexibility" at me and I asked each time what exactly they meant by that and didn't get an answer. I asked if it meant that I'm expected to go over my hours every day or what. No answer. I asked if it meant I can't finish at my contracted finish time. No answer and conversation steered elsewhere.Toward the end of the conversation they said I could ask my manager for a clear, definitive answer ...to which I laughed and said there was no way I wanted his definition of that phrase!

So, my question is,well, is this an actual Royal Mail thing? If there is, then is there a clear definition? I ask because if HR are bandying it about at this early stage, I'd like to be prepared if it pops up later on in a room with management.

Any advice or thoughts greatly received and thanks in advance

leolion855 · Post by **leolion855** » 20 Nov 2018, 17:50

you have a contract....

TheTrolleyMan · Post by **TheTrolleyMan** » 20 Nov 2018, 18:03

Ask HR for descriptions of terminology in writing

Chalky13 · Post by **Chalky13** » 20 Nov 2018, 18:15

At our DO, it’s been classed as going over if needed during your first 6 weeks. Paid, of course, but youre considered flexible during that time, so may have to stay out to complete

However a manager did tell staff that they’re expected to stay out longer and their review may be adversely affected if you don’t
Union didn’t really want to know apart from saying the rights thingsto appease the staff who said that’s bullying

yubin282 · Post by **yubin282** » 20 Nov 2018, 18:47

flexibility - just bend over and take it up the .....

hans solo · Post by **hans solo** » 20 Nov 2018, 19:00

the answer to that is feck all

chickenwittle · Post by **chickenwittle** » 20 Nov 2018, 19:03

I can be as flexible as they ask , right up to my finishing time , then I go home .

postmanzach · Post by **postmanzach** » 20 Nov 2018, 19:26

This place baffles me highly. We got guys booking as little as 5 mins or 2 hours if they go over. What’s this flexibility?

LaggyBand · Post by **LaggyBand** » 20 Nov 2018, 19:38

“Expected” is a dodgy word in RM. lots of things are “expected”. it’s purposely used because it’s a way of saying, “we really want you to do this, but we’d struggle to compel you to contractually”.

When they say we “expect you to” do whatever, simply respond with “am I allowed to say no?” Or, “what will happen if I do not do this thing you ask for”?

Asking for the consequence of answering how you want to answer is a great technique.

worktotime · Post by **worktotime** » 20 Nov 2018, 20:27

you have a finish time and overtime is voluntary if you want it and o/t is NOT compulsory . and funny enough you have a contracted finish time .

Raggedy Man · Post by **Raggedy Man** » 20 Nov 2018, 20:34

As long as your following cutting off procedure anything else could be seen by outsiders as them attempting constructive dismissal.

Smith1212 · Post by **Smith1212** » 20 Nov 2018, 20:34

worktotime wrote:you have a finish time and overtime is voluntary if you want it and o/t is NOT compulsory . and funny enough you have a contracted finish time .

Exactly work your contracted hours I’m shocked how people see this as a problem,any other job has start and finish time end of story.

picture123 · Post by **picture123** » 20 Nov 2018, 21:20

I think my contract says that there is a reasonable requirement for flexibility/overtime therefore I’d interpret that to mean that I work over my time once a week or so to complete or complete as much as I can. If I can work it more than once a week fair enough, if not I believe I’ve fufulled my contractual obligation of being flexible.

Startingover · Post by **Startingover** » 21 Nov 2018, 07:41

lcook282 wrote:flexibility - just bend over and take it up the .....

Not with my back!

crimson king · Post by **crimson king** » 21 Nov 2018, 10:46

Thanks for the replies guys. Pretty much confirmed what I thought...RM using terminology to suit themselves. Who'd have thought it, eh?

Just wanted to confirm it though, just in case I was missing something. You know how it is, you think you've got it and then a manager or someone says something and suddenly you start doubting yourself. Psychological warfare or some voodoo

I'm just glad I've stuck it out and been here for a while and don't have to worry about probation periods and stuff.

Anyways, thanks again...don't know what I'd do without this forum. It truly is a godsend.