I work in public health. My shifts are split into half patient clinical contact and half non-clinical privileges. With the latter, I avoid our shared office, instead using a quiet place nearby because much of this work requires deep concentration. I find the shared office socialising interruptive. It disrupts the sustained concentration required to do the non-clinical part of my job. The quiet also helps the migraines I suffer from.

However, a higher-up has now mandated that all non-clinical shifts are to be spent in the communal workspace so that we can be monitored for not turning up on time or leaving early. I am considering obtaining a health exemption from an occupational doctor, but this risks me being seen by colleagues as demanding special privileges. What are your thoughts?

Get a health concession if you need one, but don’t feel as though you’re shirking a responsibility or taking an “easy option” if you do.Credit: John Shakespeare

I’m annoyed on your behalf. In the main, I have little time for managers being prescriptive about where work is done. Yes, there are certain jobs where being in a certain place at a certain time is important, even essential.

But there are many jobs where your location and even your........

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