4 tips for negotiating working from home with your boss
Now, more than ever it has becoming increasingly common to work from home.
And as technology improves, and more companies move their systems to become cloud-based, remote working has never been easier.
So, if you’ve been thinking about proposing a flexible working arrangement with your company, here are our four tips that will help convince your boss.
Pros and Cons
Before you approach your boss, think through what working from home will entail. Consider the space, materials and technology required to work as efficiently as you would in the office.
Look into the additional costs that might incur and weigh up the pros and cons of them. If you have any friends or if you know anyone who currently works from home in your company, have a chat with them to get a grasp of their experience.
Practice your proposal
You need to effectively communicate the benefits of working from home to your boss. While it’s important to explain how it will affect you personally, focus on the impact it will have on the company as a whole.
An example of this might be that you will have more time once your commute has been removed from your day-to-day. This reclaimed time will only serve to enhance your productivity and reduce stress.
Make a plan
The main reason your boss will agree to your request to work from home is if you can convince them it will work out better than your current arrangement. You need to continuously drive the message that this is the best decision for both you and the company.
Focus on measurable goals that will put your bosses mind at ease by defining a plan that demonstrates how you’re going to meet your KPI’s and still contribute to the team.
A good way to do this is by implementing a trial period making sure to check in regularly with him/her and the rest of the team or filing in timesheet with your weekly breakdown of hours.
Be understanding
If you expect your boss to be flexible with you, you need to return that sentiment. Understand that working from home may put others out and affect the day-to-day running of the office.
Be mindful that what works for your company now, may not work during busy seasons. Being flexible and understanding will prove to your boss how dedicated you are to the success of the company.