How Can I Convince Management to Shift Office Hours Earlier for Summer Productivity?

Our office timing is 10 AM to 6:30 PM with a 15-minute grace period in the morning. Any employee can arrive until 10:15 AM. An employee takes 15 minutes to log in to the system after various activities like greeting colleagues, using the washroom, and getting morning tea from the machine, etc.

Now, I want to propose to management to make changes in the timing since it is summer and the days are hot. I feel that early morning hours are more productive, but I need a reason to implement this change. Please provide input emphasizing how I could convince and incorporate these changes.

What do your seniors and other employees feel? Are you from HR? What was done last hot season?

Train timings would not be an issue in Mumbai as there are plenty of trains. You would need to sound out others' opinions as well, as changes in timings have cumulative effects on all employees and their already settled departure and arrival timings.

You may have more questions to answer than getting a good solution to this summer issue by a change in timings. It might not work as they may have to go back in the hot sun (very much like the schools) and may affect their family togetherness too, a factor to be taken into account. Unless your office area has issues with voltage, power, etc., better stick to the time. Some policies are best kept under wraps, this being one such policy.

You can allocate 15 minutes for morning, lunch, and snack times. If you want to make it mandatory, ensure a 15-minute break.

Rescheduling Office Timings in Summer

The office timing is rescheduled in many parts of the country during summer. Some states issue notifications annually to restrict workers from excessive heat and sun exposure to prevent casualties. The circulars mention that those working under shade should not be considered, but their entry and exit should be in normal temperature conditions. This may not always apply to establishments, especially those operating in shifts.

It is important to prioritize necessity over feelings. Always prepare a note sheet to present to management for approval, emphasizing the benefits rather than the losses.

Please let me know if you have any questions or need further clarification.

Thank you.

Dear colleague,

The need for a change in office timings is felt by you, and any change imposed from outside, as you know, may meet with resistance. Instead, try to create the need for change in their minds through informal talks, opinion leaders, and gain acceptance.

Regards,
Vinayak Nagarkar
HR Consultant