Ask Ash: Back to the old ways?

Since returning to the office after the pandemic, I have noticed that I am working longer hours again, and am struggling to get back to that work-life balance that I thought may now be possible. My children are especially struggling with not having me visible in the home, and I have already missed a couple of their bath and bedtimes. Other colleagues seem to be in a similar situation to me, but I don’t want to raise concerns with my manager in case I’m somehow deemed to be lacking commitment to my work.

The pandemic certainly did allow a number of us some much needed and valuable time with family; and it’s important that post-pandemic we look to try to maintain at least some better work-life balance.

It seems that your colleagues are also working longer hours after returning to the office; and it may be worth speaking to them about how they are coping with the change in situation.

Many employers are looking to offer blended working arrangements going forward and you could maybe ask your manager or HR as to whether this is something that you could be considered for. This would allow you the flexibility to be able to achieve a better work-life balance by being able to work from home at least one or two days per week.

Getting back to normality is important, but it is also important for employers to try to maintain some of the positives from our time during the pandemic.

Being merely present in the office should not be the primary factor in demonstrating your commitment to your work; and if anything the pandemic has helped to illustrate the importance of employees being trusted to do their work outside the confines of the office.

“Ash” is a solicitor who is willing to answer work-related queries from solicitors and other legal professionals, which can be put to them via the editor. Confidence will be respected and any advice published will be anonymised.

Please note that letters to Ash are not received at the Law Society of Scotland. The Society offers a support service for trainees through its Education, Training & Qualifications team. Email legaleduc@lawscot.org.uk or phone 0131 226 7411 (select option 3).