Not making use of flexi-time?

[leecamowol]

Hi

I just got my first permanent job in the NHS and it means I now work on flexitime.

In my previous jobs there was flexible start and finish times but not complete flexi-time. I work in a finance office but I'm getting to be made to feel really guilty. Due to bus times I get in at about 8.10 and as a result I leave at 16.20 to catch the bus home. BUT the same people are still sat there when I leave that are sat there when I arrive!

I have no real need to build up extra time to take off later in the month so I do my 8 hour day like I've always been used to.

I've only been in the job a week but suspect my boss may have a word with me today by the way she looked at her watch when I said good night yesterday.

I'm in the right aren't I ... Just because it's flexi-time it doesn't mean I should over 8 hours a day does it?
?

Thanks

[sara3]

I assume you know that you have to take a lunch break, and that doesn't count toward your flexi time?

perhaps the people who are there both before and after you take a flexi day off every few weeks..

[buildersmate]

I'll be pretty surprised if there aren't clear rules about this - there are in another major Government department I have dealings with.
The way it generally works is that one has to be there for the core hours - which are often set as between 1000hrs and 1530hrs. Outside of that you can work longer or shorter on either the front or the back to build up / reduce the amount of flexi-time in the system.
There are then usually rules about the total amount of time (under / over) that you can build up before you either have to (work a series of longer days / take a flexi-day in Leave).
The system is controlled by clocking in / out, including lunchtime clocking.

[factor-fiction]

It's a good idea to check on the scheme rules. For example are there core hours you must work- maybe you are supposed to stay until 4.30, and certainly you must take a lunchbreak of more than 10 minutes!
And remember flextime is a two way street- the employer is pretty flexible about what time you can go but you need to be flexible and stay late when required to meet deadlines, provide cover etc. Also, check whether there is an early start/late stay rota to provide cover.

[buildersmate]

That's the fault of the managers - not the flexi system.
Same happens in the Government department I have dealings with. Folks arrive, clock in, then disappear for breakfast.
Not for much longer however, once I've done with them.

[wolf63]

I was a civil servant and worked flexi.

We had core hours that we had to work. We were allowed to start any time from half past seven and half past nine in the morning. We couldn't finish before half past three and could work no later than seven at night. We had to work an average of 7 hours and 24 minutes per day.

However flexi use and abuse caused most of the fights and bickering on the section.

When flexi works properly it is great.