Each week, Dr Kirstin Ferguson tackles questions on workplace, career and leadership in her advice column, “ Got a Minute? ” This week: a single parent looking for some flexibility, close quarters for co-workers and long service leave after transferring overseas. A little empathy and understanding can do a long way. Credit: Dionne Gain I’m a single mum and full-time employee.
I have worked for my employer for many years without time off for personal leave or a need for flexibility. However, I currently have a teenager with serious mental health issues, and am worried about them being home alone, due to threats of self-harm. The situation is impacting my health and work.
I asked my employer if I could work from home one or two days a week, to keep an eye on my teen when they don’t go to school, but was refused. I was told to call my child on my lunch break. We don’t have an HR manager to escalate the issue to.
If I resign, I’ll have to give four weeks’ notice and am likely to be here for long hours, training a replacement. I don’t know what to do. I am so, so sorry you have had to experience such a lack of empathy and understanding.
I would go so far as to say I am disgusted by the lack of decency your boss has demonstrated. You have shown loyalty to your employer for many years, yet they can’t seem to demonstrate the slightest compassion when you most need it. While a long-term switch to working from home may not ultimately have been the solution, surely you.