Daily life can bring many changes; sometimes, 24 hours a day may not be enough to carry out all the activities we want to do. Sometimes it is necessary to reduce working hours so that time can be spent on other functions.
The idea, even the most formal, is to submit a request for reduced working hours through a letter sent by email or traditional mail. Here you will find an example and the necessary guidelines to write your reduction of hours letter.
Why send a reduction of hours letter?
There are multiple reasons a person may request a reduction in working hours. It is common to find those who, to maintain a good economy, need to work in two different places.
One of the locations may require longer hours than the other, or it may even be necessary to leave one job a little early to get to the other on time. The key is to juggle time well and divide it evenly.
Similarly, many requests for reduced hours are submitted because of family issues. Some single parents go so far as to request reduced hours so they can help their children with homework or take them to extracurricular activities.
Some have sick family members who cannot afford a nurse and request to retire early to care for their loved ones.
Reduced working hours may be requested when starting time-consuming university studies, just as there are cases of people who have had a tough and demanding schedule for an extended period and are looking to reduce burnout.
Either way, reductions in working hours are very common, and the reasons for them can be very diverse. This reduction has pros and cons, as it generates many changes in the work environment and routine.
It is important to emphasize that a positive response is not assured by sending the request letter for reduction. It only remains to wait for the decision of the employer, or in any case, of the human resources personnel.
What should be included in a letter requesting a reduction in working hours?
The content of the letter may vary depending on the circumstances. This letter should be written strictly formally, showing respect to superiors.
The letter should begin with information about the sender (employee) and continue with information about the person it addresses. In this case, it could be the director of the company or the human resources coordinator, and add the address and name of the company.
Then the date of issue of the letter should be added, as well as the subject of the letter, which in this case would be a “request for reduction of working hours.”
The body of the letter should begin with a respectful greeting on behalf of the person to whom the letter is addressed. The body of the letter will consist of an explanation of the reasons for requesting the reduction.
The length of the body of the letter will vary depending on the reasons for requesting the reduction in working hours.
You should add specific information, such as the hours you currently work, the reduction in hours you desire, and the date you would like to begin the reduced hours.
To conclude the letter, you should thank them for their attention and emphasize that you are waiting for a positive response. The following example may serve as a format where you can change the personal data and send it with your signature.