7 WAYS TO CONVINCE YOUR BOSS TO WORK FROM HOME
There are many benefits to remote working. It provides more flexibility, avoids the daily commute, allows you to spend more time with friends and family, and a lot of remote workers say it improves their productivity and work satisfaction.
The last few years have shown that more jobs can be done remotely, but not all employers are convinced.
If you want to switch to remote working, here are 7 ways to convince your boss to work from home.
1. Check the company’s policies
Before asking for remote working, it’s a good idea to check company policies so you know about the application process, as some companies have a set way of making requests.
When you’re applying for work remotely, you should think about how suitable it is, as you will need to present the details to your employer. For example, are there any potential obstacles or logistical issues, like needing access to a protected database?
You also need to consider how often you need to communicate with your colleagues and whether remote working could interfere with this. If you’re in a company where lots of employees work remotely already, it can help to use this as an example.
2. Know what motivates you
When you’re approaching your employer, it’s important to be clear about your motivations.
Why do you want to work from home? Is it for professional reasons? Breakroom chit chat and other workplace distractions can make it much harder to complete important tasks.
Working remotely, on the other hand, gives you the time and space to concentrate on your tasks and many people find the quality or their work improves.
Some people want to work remotely for personal reasons, like childcare or other responsibilities. These are legitimate reasons for requesting a change to your working patterns. But, it might be worth considering a flexible working request instead and being honest with your employer.
3. Create a remote working plan
Next, you need to show your employer you have considered all aspects of switching to remote working. Have a plan ready to show them how you will make the transition successful.
For example, agree to a schedule, have clear expectations about your role and working hours, and address any concerns your employer might have. Do you have a reliable internet connection? If you need regular contact with your co-workers, how will this be achieved?
Presenting your employer with all the facts shows them you’ve considered everything and will reassure them that you can still meet your targets and deadlines.
4. Highlight the value it adds to the business
To convince your employer to let you switch to remote working, make sure you focus on the benefits it will bring for the business, not just the advantages it has for you.
Some studies have shown that remote working can boost productivity and enhance work performance. It can also lead to fewer sick days and reduce the company’s overhead costs.
If you have proven success remote working during the pandemic, or other employees work remotely, you can use these as examples of how well you can fulfill your job requirements and collaborate with your peers, managers, and team members.
5. Show you can stick to a schedule
Working remotely needs motivation and discipline, and some people struggle with concentration and time management outside the office. This is something that puts off some employers.
You can address these concerns by showing your employer how you plan to stick to a work schedule. Present some information about how you will continue working as normal, like having a designated, quiet workspace, to prove how well you can work outside of the office.
6. Be willing to compromise
In some cases, your employer might not allow you to switch to remote working permanently, but they might offer you a trial period or a hybrid arrangement, like working from home some of the time but still spending some days in the office.
If you can, it’s worth considering this option as it gives you a chance to show your employer how you working remotely could be beneficial. It can also help to put your boss’s mind at ease, as it shows them that you can still meet their expectations and do your job properly.
7. Be prepared to look for a new job
A lot of employers are now willing to consider a remote working arrangement with their employees, as the pandemic has shown it has many benefits for companies and employees.
However, unfortunately, it sometimes isn’t possible for employers to approve remote working requests – and in other cases, they simply might not be ready to let employees be flexible.
If you really value being allowed to work remotely and this is a deal breaker, the only option is to start looking for new job opportunities. The good news is, a lot of companies now have flexible working options and even more plan to introduce this in the next few years.
