Businesspeople discussing business on virtual staff meeting during pandemic
It can be tough to talk about remote work with your boss. Whether you’re looking to WFH more often or permanently, it can be a sensitive issue. Still, if it improves your quality of life, it’s worth taking the trick. Here are six tricks for bringing it up in a way to maximize the chance that they say yes.
Build Your Case
Start by gathering evidence (sorry, I watch too many detective shows). Arm yourself with success stories of remote work within your company or industry. Highlight stats on how remote work can boost productivity, enhance work-life balance, and even save the company money on overhead costs. Also, remind your boss about all those times you delivered stellar results—especially if you did any of that from outside the office. Make it clear that your work ethic won't change with your location.
Suggest a Trial
Suggest starting with a trial period—say, three months. It's like a test drive for remote work. Assure your boss that it's a chance to evaluate how well remote work fits your role without making a permanent commitment.
Be Detailed
Get into the weeds (weeds famously WFH—they never leave their gardens). Outline your proposed work schedule, your home office setup, and how you plan to handle communication and collaboration with your team. It's like planning a trip: you need to know where you're staying, how you'll get around, and what you'll do when you get there.
Focus on Communication
Promise to be on Slack, email, or carrier pigeon more than ever. Whatever it takes! Propose regular check-ins and updates to keep your boss in the loop. Communication is key to making remote work successful, so you’ll want your boss to know you’re thinking ahead.
Acknowledge Issues
Anticipate any reservations your boss might have and address them head-on. If they're worried about teamwork, suggest regular team catch-ups or virtual coworking sessions. If they fret about productivity, talk about setting clear milestones and deliverables.
Be Enthusiastic
Make it clear that your request to work remotely isn't because you're less committed to your job or looking to slack off. On the contrary, explain that working remotely can make you even more passionate and dedicated. Maybe you'll be less stressed without the commute, or maybe you're more creative in a different environment. To hammer home your enthusiasm, after your chat, send a follow-up email summarizing your discussion and the key points of your proposal. This not only shows initiative but also gives your boss something tangible to refer back to when considering your request. And good luck!
