Office/Work hours culture

[marion29]

I know this question may seem impossible, but at least someone may tell me I can't be the only person who thinks this? Why are most of us expected to attend doctors surgeries, dentists, children's various things and attend work during office hours without getting into trouble at work or being unable to keep all these appointments? I do appreciate that everyone doesn't want to work over 24 hours(myself included)and I know life is more complex now, but surely there could be more flexibility by workplaces and other companies on this. I was asked by my manager(from above her-to do with stats)could I not see the nurse or doctor outside office hours and she said she knew the answer! This is just 1 incident among many in day to day life.

[SRH]

Brought this question up with my boss this week - have to go to the doctors one day every week for two months and I have to go to doctors first thing then start late and finish late so it's not in work time. It's in my contract and employee handbook so I can't argue with him. I think it's unfair, especially when I have my own workload and it's my responsibility to get everything done, so will still cover the same work - just faster! They've got me over a barrel...

[cazzz1975]

they are looking at moving doctors hours to evenings and weekends, some schools do evening performances as well now.

but I know what you mean, its impossible to do these things when you get grief at work for having to book time off.

[DONNA1458]

I am a diabetic and have more appointments than your normal person, i use my holidays up for these but once they are gone i still have to go and i know it is frowned upon when i tell them i need time off even when i make up the time.

[scoobydooby]

There is another side to this though. I work for an organisation where the majority of staff work shifts (I don't though). The handbook says that staff should try to arrange appointments during their own time (which is easy to do when working shifts). However, if it is not possible to do so, staff will be permitted to attend during work time. So what do you think happens???? Yes, everyone books during working time and claim there were no other appointments available!

[Banana Boat]

My company is actually quite good with this, providing we dont take advantage and go to the doctors every week (unless there is really actually something wrong) then we are happily allowed to go to docs, dentist ect in works time. If i go tho, i do try my best to get an appointment either early or late, rather than in the middle of the day.

[helliebobs]

My company is also pretty good about this and we're allowed time off for appointments although obviously they prefer it if you can make them either first thing in the morning or last thing in the afternoon.
I thought everyone was allowed reasonable time off for such things?

[annie0000]

My employer is also very good, but as I finish at 3, it is not too difficult for me to arrange appointments outwith work hours. My husband works in the health service and has been told that "they don't accomodate doctors appointments" Considering that he works the same hours as the Doctor does appointments this makes life difficult. I guess that you are just supposed to stay ill!

[natalie_1982]

My company accommodates medical appts up to one hour and asks that you make them as close to the beginning or end of the day as possible, I think this is fair.

[marion29]

Thank you all for your responses, very interesting. Scoobydooby, I take your point and it's always a shame that people abuse systems and make it harder for genuine people. I always have tried to get the earliest/latest appointments and have even taken occassional appointments when on leave and not away somewhere. Hellibobs, I agree and as I work for the civil service, we are supposed to have this as a benefit of this employer! But then again, there have been so many changes/cutbacks in Dept Work and Pensions, plus I work in the call centre taking benefit claims and this is run on statistics, so you can guess the rest? Donna, I too have numerous health problems which need regular checking/treatment and I was advised on taking the job, this would be appreicated!!

[Skreecheeboy]

I know what you mean. If you want to go to the GUM clinic for a sexual health check up in Edinburgh, you need to go between 8.30 and 9.30 in the morning, Mon-Fri and then wait till lunch time to be seen by somebody! And they're supposed to be trying to stop the spread of STDs apparently? Funny way of showing it!

[sharminnnnnn]

My company also prefers us to attend appointments outside work hours, or book early or late appointments. However if you are unable to do so, they are quite happy for you to go during work time, so long as you're on top of your work.