#WorkLifeBalance #EmployerCommunication #RespectfulBoundaries
Hey everyone! 🚚 So, I’m in a bit of a pickle and could use some advice. I’m a hgv driver and my contract states I should work 50 hours a week, with the possibility of it increasing to 55 hours if needed.
Well, it looks like I’ll hit that 55-hour mark by midday Friday and I’m feeling pretty burnt out. 😓 I’ve decided I need to respectfully let my employer know that I won’t be working over my hours for the rest of my deliveries.
Unfortunately, my employer hasn’t been the best to me lately, so I want to handle this situation delicately. I also really need to prioritize my own well-being and establish some work-life balance.
Any tips on how to approach this conversation with my employer would be greatly appreciated! Here’s what I’m thinking of doing, feel free to chime in with your thoughts:
– Schedule a meeting with my employer or supervisor to discuss my workload and hours
– Clearly communicate my boundaries and reasons for not working over my contracted hours
– Offer potential solutions or compromises, such as rearranging my schedule or adjusting my workload
What do you think? Any other suggestions or personal experiences to share? Let’s help each other out! 🤝💼
Without going into details, you can explain that you need your off hours to focus on family. Do not lie but you can share the importance of spending time with family when you are not on the road. Build a rapport with them. Explain the need for work life balance with politeness and almost calm approach.
Hope this helps!
be prepared to be fired, just in case.
offer them a deal that they have to say no to, so it’s not you telling you them no, it’s them telling you no.
‘I will hit 55hrs on Friday and I am more than willing to work extra hours but we will need to discuss my compensation, i can do it for 3x my current hourly rate.’
If the contract limits you to 55 hours, that’s the explanation.
“My family relies on me”
The best way to handle this professionally is to get ahead of the situation. Let them know that your standard hours are 50, which can be flexed to 55 if needed, but you’ll be over that cap on Friday so would need to end your day XYZ time. You wanted to give them advanced notice so they’re aware and can make any necessary arrangements for coverage if needed.
If you look like you’re trying to be proactive and come with a solution, it’s at least going to be better received than if you weren’t. Doesn’t mean they won’t still try and push back or walk all over you, but it sets you up to be in the best light!
“ Based on current projections I will het 55 hours on X day at X time. Please make sure I’m routed accordingly. On the day you hit 55 hours: “It looks like you routed me on a route than will take x hours and I need to be back and unloaded by X to maintain my 55 hour limit.”
“At the current pace this week it’s looking like I’ll hit my contracted 55 hours around lunch time on Friday. Please keep this in mind when lining out work for the remainder of the week as I’m unable to exceed 55 hours this week.”
What’s wrong with just being open and honest with them? Tell them you are contracted for 50-55 hours and that’s all you want to work. You don’t have to give reasons why. And they don’t have to like it. In fact, they may terminate your contract or you may not like their reaction and quit. But I usually find that being open and honest is the best way to get to the best solution.
“I have an appointment I cannot miss at (stated time). If pressed to explain “It’s medical and I dont want to talk about it” I have to leave by X. I have completed my timesheets already to include this. I will have to get to the other packages Monday”
You never have to explain medical. Don’t explain medical. Tell your SO not to tell anyone anything of what that means rather that anyone asking will ask you personally. “Idk ask her”
You are leaving for an appointment with your health and well being. It is medically important for you to care for yourself. Make a point to possibly join gym, yoga class, art class etc. Make it a real solid appointment at some point. Good luck!
An overworked, exhausted driver is more likely to get into an accident. I’d ask your union rep for advice on how to phrase “I have to stop at 55 hours for workplace safety reasons,” as this has no doubt come up before.
Making it about “spending time with family” may not be persuasive (management dgaf about your family), and it can trigger sexist assumptions.
Well, if you want to be respectful about it I would let them know Friday morning that by noon you’ll be at your 55 hour mark so who is another driver that can carry out the remainder of the day. It’s notifying them at least 5 hours in advance that you will fulfill your contractual time but work will need to be given to another
Would you work the extra 5 hours if you got paid? Ask for the money or give them a 12-24 hour heads up that your load exceeds your 55 hours. Also, be mindful they may terminate the contract.
I said it on the day I was hired. I told my boss that when I am at work, I will work hard, and when I am home I will be disconnected. I also said I’m flexible, and can step in additionally occasionally if needed, but I really value my work-life balance. He respected it.
Check out loewhaley on you tube. She has great videos on this.
I have tickets to an event so I cannot work then or I have to pick up my kid at a certain time. The second seems to be highly excusable in my experience.
HAVE A BACKUP PLAN
always be looking for a better job,,
You only have leverage if you can walk out the door anytime..
Just roll in on Friday at the 55-hour limit and be like, “Hey, I’m real sorry, but I’m not sure I can work past 55 hours anymore.” I’m too tired, starting to get sleepy behind the wheel. I remember a few years ago, this was a big issue for drivers. They had commercials telling us that driving tired is the same as driving drunk.