Our company's normal office hour policy is 8am to 4:30pm, however certain employees are allowed to start at 7:30am and leave at 4pm. However, due to family commitments I made the same request to my employer and my request was declined. I find this very unfair as other staff have requested earlier times to finish and their requests have been granted. Please could I have some advice on how to approach my HR department with my concern.
This issue is one that must be and should be dealt with internally. The HR department is supposed to facilitate and mediate disputes that arise between the employer and the employees. As an employee it is your right to submit a complaint to the HR department. Keep in mind that you signed and agreed to all the terms and conditions of your employment contract. These terms include the hours in which you will be expected to work. The employer may choose to accept a written request by the employee to change their working hours.
This request to the employer/HR department must be highly motivated with evidence in which validates the need for the employee to change their working hours.
The employer may still choose to reject such a request and provide the employee with a reason as to why they were unsuccessful.
* Such a request could be made temporarily, keep in mind that according to the Basic Conditions of Employment Act you are entitled to family responsibility leave if need be.