Employment contract.

TBagpuss

I think it's [pretty normal in salaried roles, especially at management level.

You're expected to manage your own workload  but have a degree of flexibility about how you do so.

If you found that the workload isn't do-able then you have the conversation about that , but I think in general, it's simply making clear that you shouldn't be clock-watching and leaving on the dot of 5 if you have thigs that need to be finished.

Jillanddy

TBagpuss said:

I think it's [pretty normal in salaried roles, especially at management level.

You're expected to manage your own workload  but have a degree of flexibility about how you do so.

If you found that the workload isn't do-able then you have the conversation about that , but I think in general, it's simply making clear that you shouldn't be clock-watching and leaving on the dot of 5 if you have thigs that need to be finished.

Whilst I don't disagree with any of these comments, and I probably fall into the "worst offender" category of doing hours that I shouldn't be doing, I do think that the world of work and the expectations placed on people to put work first above all else is based on an outmoded concept that men work and that is their primary duty, so workplaces need make no provision for, or consideration of family responsibilities because that is "women's work" and women shouldn't be in paid employment unless they can do part-time and all the rest as well - the "pin money" thing for women. Just a few minutes after 5pm can be the difference between getting to collect your child on time, and not doing. 

I do not subscribe to the concept that employers should elevate "family" or "personal" life over and above the work, - and there is sometimes a misplaced notion these days amongst employees that work should suit them and their wants, not the employers - at the same time the balance is often too far out on the other end of the spectrum. Some people (male and female) need to leave on the dot of 5 or whatever else is their finishing time, and doing so should no longer be seen as a "problem" or a lack of commitment. Our views of employment may have "modernised" but all too often the reality of employment is still stuck in previous eras.