Is it too soon to ask?

Anonymous

January 17,2023 at 12:05AM UTC

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Is it too soon to ask?

I started a contract position a week ago and it's supposed to be a hybrid position.My commute to the city can be difficult and lengthy so I didn't mind if I only had to do it 2-3 days per week.My manager hasn't mentioned anything about which days I can work from home.I was told by someone to ask now which days I can work from home but I feel like it's too soon. Any suggestions?

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Yesenia CervantesJanuary 17,2023 at 12:44AM UTC
I think it’s the right time. You are establishing expectations and figuring out how to best work together.
Sharon GrehanJanuary 17,2023 at 1:34AM UTC
If you frame the ask professionally then it won't be viewed negatively. You could say that you would like to know their preferences for the specific days that you are in office so that you can plan accordingly.
Joan Williams, Senior Talent Acquisition SpecialistJanuary 17,2023 at 5:58AM UTC
If you're a contractor working through a staffing/contracting company, call them and have them find out for you.
Tell your contracting company you'd prefer to do two days per week in the office and tell them which ones - see if they can make that happen for you.
Why was this not ironed out before you accepted the contract?
AnonymousJanuary 17,2023 at 7:13PM UTC
If you are sufficiently trained and can access the tools, documentation and locations of the information you need to successfully work from home then I would definitely approach your manager and ask. What you don't want to do is ask based solely on your convenience and still require training and direction on where to access various pieces of information. Most companies want their staff who work remotely to be highly self sufficient or they rethink that arrangement quickly.
AnonymousJanuary 18,2023 at 5:28PM UTC
It's never too soon to set expectations. Ask first if they have a preference for which days you are in. Also if you can reference the ones that the commute is most painful- IE: friday escape out of towners, you will likely find more empathy for the decision. You should also set working hours for the WFH days including when you will take lunch and breaks. Be transparent. Put everything on your calendar. There will be no issues if you do. Congrats on the new role.
DeBorah WalkerJanuary 19,2023 at 1:38PM UTC
Yeah I agree it's a little too soon; however, if it's understood that it's a hybrid position, because you mentioned (it's suppose to be hybrid), so at the end of the second week you should definitely ask. Sometimes with these contract positions you don't want to be perceived as too anxious; just play it out but towards the end of your second week I would definitely ask.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2023 at 2:11PM UTC
If a hybrid schedule was part of the description, ask now.
AnonymousJanuary 19,2023 at 3:00PM UTC
too soon, you need to be trained first. I would have asked how long the training period in the office is so that you're able to set up your office space at home in preparation. 1 week doesn't provide either party to know that someone is ready to work solo.