Client wants me on site at all times. .....can I refuse?

[ChimpMaster]

I WFH a day or two each week and I am the only person (contractor or permanent) within the client's IT department who does this. It is a privilege that has been earned and hard fought for.

I have a 120 mile round trip to the client. My initial contract was for 6 months: I left home at 6am to beat traffic to be at the client office early, and I worked a full day every day for those 6 months. I did a damn good job and turned around a critical piece of the infrastructure that had been causing huge issues for the client's business. Basically I proved my worth.

Then, on renewal, I negotiated to WFH on Fridays, and it was granted.

The negotiation meant that I would save on the 3 hour travel time on Fridays and in turn I would put extra effort into the working day. In addition, each evening I regularly check emails on my phone until I go to bed. I am on top of everything and the client knows it.

6 months after that, I negotiated to WFH 2 days on most weeks. I also have a clause written into the contract to the effect of "the consultancy can choose to perform its services wherever it likes" but I don't take the p1ss because I feel it is important to retain good relations with your customers. I am also on the highest rate I have ever been on.

Become an experienced consultant. Prove yourself to the client for the term of the initial contract. Then, if they need/want you to extend, learn to negotiate a win/win situation and be prepared to put forward a compelling argument.

[jmo21]

There could be lots of reasons why this is the case and it is very unlikely that you are being singled out for any thing that you have done - you haven't been there long enough!

It could be that the boss likes to get to know people before trusting them to WFH.

It could be that he feels your role must be done in the office.

It could be that he has to have someone onsite all the time ( support cover or just plain politics )

Or maybe he's planning on scrapping WFH but cannot with the existing team because of clauses in their contracts.

I'd start by asking the existing team members because once you can understand their position you'll be in a better place to talk politely to your boss. Don't think there's anything wrong with raising it .... but I wouldn't go "demanding" until you've proven yourself in the team, understand the politics and have earned a bit of respect and trust.

Yep.

Lots of reasons.

It could be that the place is full of chancers who have taken advantage of WFH.

It could be the boss is new to his role and doesn't trust anyone WFH, but cannot change things for those already in situ without causing a massive fuss.

[unixman]

Had an interview for a gig during which the hiring manager stressed that in the contract working from home was not allowed. I didn't argue at the time as I needed the gig.

After starting I assumed that this would be the case for everyone in the Team but have found out that the other consultants and contractors who have been working there for longer (bar some administrators) are working from home once a week. I'm not happy about this at all but also don't want to cause any friction during my first 2 weeks .

How best should I approach this? Demand from my boss that I should be able to work from home and point to the fact that everyone else does, put up and shut up or speak to my agency? I feel like I'm being singled out which doesn't seem right.

As others have said, you must adhere to what was agreed in the contract regardless of what other contractors/permies do. I would ask nicely about WFH when renewal comes around. If that gets you nowhere, look for another contract/walk, but do it all very nicely.

[vadhert]

Yes you can refuse, Be given your notice and leave.

HTH

[Danglekt]

suck it up, work hard, integrate into the project and then think about perks.

You accepted the gig knowing it was no WFH, what everyone else does is of no relevance (at least in the short term - and by that I mean 3-6 months)

[BrilloPad]

How best should I approach this?

Carry on invoicing. Search for a new gig.

HTH

[LondonManc]

If you sign up for no WFH, which you did, why are you demanding different you 'kin diva?

[WordIsBond]

"Can I refuse?" Sure. There's a guy who posts here who will tell you how to apply for JSA.

Earn trust before you ask to be trusted. The guy who asks to be trusted when he hasn't earned it won't be.

Either that or be good enough at what you do that they have to accept your terms. Get better at what you do, or add qualifications that no one else has. Then you can WFH all the time if you want.

[psychocandy]

Heard it all now. Client tells you at interview no WFH and you're moaning because when you get to site they let others do it.

As others have pointed out there may be a variety of reasons why client has decided this. None of this is any of your business or reason to get upset. End of the day if client says no WFH then no WFH - in your case they even warned you in the interview.

I've been at current gig over a year and they won't let me WFH. Its a PITA yes but thats what client wants, contractor in office. Its up to me then - stay or go.

[northernladuk]

Heard it all now. Client tells you at interview no WFH and you're moaning because when you get to site they let others do it.

As others have pointed out there may be a variety of reasons why client has decided this. None of this is any of your business or reason to get upset. End of the day if client says no WFH then no WFH - in your case they even warned you in the interview.

I've been at current gig over a year and they won't let me WFH. Its a PITA yes but thats what client wants, contractor in office. Its up to me then - stay or go.

Wot? No unrelated story about something that has happened to you or a mate?