Should I Ask My Boss?

Updated on May 13, 2010
H.M. asks from Phoenix, AZ
8 answers

Last year in June 2009, my company reduced our work schedule from 40 hours to 32 hours a week due to the economy. My company did not say when we will go back to the 40 hrs a week, but its been almost a year. There are only 3 of us in the office. I am the main person in the office and Stacy (co-worker) is mainly outside on the dock. My boss Bill is always in and out of the office and the dock. Stacy noticed that my boss Bill is in a better mood when I'm in the office. She mentioned that when I'm off, Bill is mostly stuck in the office most of the time and expect her to be in the office and get her work done on the dock. She suggested that I should ask my boss if I could work 40 hours a week instead of 32 hours. I would love to have my hours back since my daughter is in pre-school and I don't have much to do when I'm off. My questions is should I ask my boss and if I should how would I ask him?

Thanks

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So What Happened?

I didn't ask my boss instead he told me that the company said we could go back to full time if we like. Of course, I jumped to that offer and now I'm working full time.

More Answers

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L.M.

answers from New York on

Being in the office, you may have been able to notice if business has picked up. Last June my hours were also reduced, and I know things are still bad. Two people retired and they weren't replaced. Just make sure this isn't the case in your office.

A good way to approach the subject is by saying something like, "It looks like business/work load has been increasing lately, if you would like me to put in some additional hours each week, I would be available".

2 moms found this helpful
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C.N.

answers from Minneapolis on

Maybe you just let him know that if things get better and there is a chance for more hours that you are interested in working the additional hours. He probably is in a better mood with you there because he needs the help. Things are stressful on everyone in tough economies.

2 moms found this helpful
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D.P.

answers from Pittsburgh on

Definitely let him know that you're curious if the 40 hr week will return and that you'd be H. for the extra hours.
p.s. did you know you can get partial unemployment for reduced work hours?

2 moms found this helpful
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P.O.

answers from Jacksonville on

It couldn't hurt - You could say "I am willing to work 40 hours again if that's possible"

1 mom found this helpful

L.G.

answers from Austin on

Sure, it wouldn't hurt to ask. "Bill, would you be opposed to me working 40 hours a week? I really enjoy working in the office!" ;) something like that.
The worst he can say is'no'.
But I'd go for it, take a chance.

Good luck.

P.W.

answers from Dallas on

Sure, why not ask? I would ask him to sit down with you and ask how the company is doing? You are entitled to know. Ask him if you would be eligible to resume a 40 hour work week, and if not now does he feel there is home for soon? You are only asking for information, not making any demands. This should be a totally non-threatening "discussion."

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J.C.

answers from Fort Wayne on

Absolutely you should ask!! There's nothing wrong with asking, and the worst thing he could say is no. I would just say "hey, do you have any extra hours I could take? I've got more time now that my daughter's in preschool"

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S.H.

answers from Honolulu on

Yes, ask. Maybe he just "forgot" that it was 1 year ago....

I would definitely ask.
Ask him in conversation, or put it in writing.. that way you have it "documented" that you asked.
It doesn't have to be any complicated letter or request.. just that it has been 1 year ago since, and you were wondering if he can re-institute your hours. Since it was not "defined" at the point of them cutting the hours, and you just want to follow-up.
Don't say its because your daughter is in Preschool etc., because that is personal and too much information.
Keep it professional and amicable.

good luck,
Susan

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