A lot of employees have gotten a taste of what it’s like to work from home. For some people, it’s just not their cup of tea and they would prefer to work in the office. But there are some who have become accustomed to it and want to continue to work from home post-COVID. There are also other people who still want to give it a try because it would better suit their lifestyle.
If you want to continue to work from home, you will need to have a conversation with your boss about the possibility. Their stance on the subject can vary based on their personal preferences, company policy, and other considerations. But if you personally want to work from home, you need to bring it up. You also need to be prepared to make a good argument for why you should be able to work remotely.
Here are some tips for having a conversation with your boss:
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1. Be real about the possibility
It is important to be realistic about your work situation. Does it make sense for someone in your role to work from home? Are there potential issues that could arise? Remember that your desire to work from home may not be in alignment with company objectives. Perhaps a hybrid solution is more realistic. Be open to a number of work arrangements.
2. Do your research before stating your case to work remotely
Do some research and find out if your company has a formal policy about working from home. Does the company have a particular feeling about this type of work arrangement? Are other people already working from home? If no one works from home and your company is against it, there may be no sense in making a case.
3. Book a meeting to discuss it with your boss
Requesting to work from home is not a casual conversation. You need to set aside some time to formally speak with your boss about it. Let them know what you want to speak about so they will have some time to prepare for the conversation.
4. Be ready to state your case
If you want to work from home, you will need to state your case as to why it is viable for you. Speak about why you are a good candidate to work from home. If you have a proposed schedule and plan for how to communicate with the office, make sure to present it to your boss. Be as detailed as possible. You need to show you have given this some serious thought.
5. Identify and address concerns your boss many have
Be ready to address counter-arguments and resistance. Expect your boss to raise concerns about how you are going to manage your workload and how it will potentially impact other people you work with regularly. Put yourself in your boss’s position and be receptive to their concerns and feedback.
Be willing to compromise and come to an agreement that works for all parties.
Read More About Remote Work on Our Recruiting Blog
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