They didn’t anticipate working remotely for more than a year when the COVID-19 pandemic first forced widespread lockdowns and many employees found themselves suddenly forced to work from home. Many businesses may require you to return to the office either full-time or as part of a hybrid work model as a result of the reopening so many months after the pandemic. What if, however, after spending so much time working remotely, you decide that you prefer it and want to continue doing so indefinitely?
Companies with few or no remote workers had no idea how remote work would impact their business until 2020. The biggest difference, according to Karl Rinderknecht, cofounder and COO of WhoCo, who has led in-person, remote, and hybrid teams across industries, is that most businesses have been forced to deal with having a remote workforce and now have data on what it’s like. “Before COVID, these were questions where maybe you could get data about other companies, but not data about your own workforce. Are people as productive? Are people as happy? Do we need so much office space?” You might be able to use your company’s data as support for a more permanent remote work situation after this extensive work-from-home experiment.
Tracking your productivity and accomplishments as well as being responsive and present while working remotely are just a few of the eight steps we previously outlined for those who want to continue working remotely after the pandemic. However, you might find it difficult to approach your manager and make the actual request, depending on whether you were ready for indefinite remote work throughout the pandemic or are just beginning to think about how to make your work-from-home setup permanent.
- Research the landscape in your industry and organization. …
- Emphasize the benefits to your organization. …
- Create a clear and specific remote work plan. …
- Time your request carefully. …
- Ask in-person, not via email. …
- Come prepared to lead the meeting. …
- Expect some discomfort, but don’t be dissuaded.
Why is it important to know how to ask to work from home
Knowing how to ask to work from home is crucial because doing so at the right time and being prepared with evidence of its benefits can increase the likelihood that your manager will grant your request.
How to ask to work from home
If you want to ask your manager about working from home, follow these steps:
1. Perform your research
It’s important to prepare yourself before speaking with your employer about working remotely. As part of your preparation for the meeting, you should take some time to determine how prevalent remote work is overall and at your company in particular.
Learn more about the arrangement that remote employees have as you determine how common they are in your company. For instance, some staff members might work remotely every day while others might only do so occasionally. Additionally, find out if your company already has a policy in place regarding remote work.
2. Focus on company benefits
It’s crucial to consider your employer’s viewpoint as you get ready to meet with them. The majority of your argument for working remotely should highlight the advantages for your employer. To do this, you should compile information on the advantages of working remotely during your research. For instance, studies show that remote workers are frequently more productive, less likely to leave their jobs, and frequently less expensive for the company.
Have concrete examples of how a remote working arrangement would benefit your work and the business ready. You should be able to explain, for instance, how you could perform your job more effectively, why you would be more productive, and whether you might be able to work hours that would better suit your employer. You might also think about how working remotely would affect your concentration and uninterrupted work-time.
3. Identify any concerns
It’s important to determine any potential issues your employer may have before the meeting. For instance, they might worry that working from home will reduce your productivity or make you less accessible. After determining what you anticipate to be their main concerns, make a list of remedies. For instance, you could suggest a regular work schedule where you will be at your desk and reachable through a web-based communication tool if you anticipate that they will be concerned about communication.
4. Create a plan for working from home
You should draft a document outlining the potential workings of your work-from-home arrangement once you have finished all of your research and have determined the main concerns your company would probably have. This strategy should outline your intended work schedule while working remotely as well as the steps you’ll take to monitor your progress and collaborate with your team. You might want to suggest digital tools in your plan if your company doesn’t currently use any tools for project management or communication.
5. Time your request strategically
If your manager already has confidence in your ability to perform the job and respects your efforts, your request to work from home will be most successful. Making the request at the right time, such as after finishing a major project successfully or achieving another goal with your work, is the best way to increase the likelihood that they will agree.
6. Ask in person
It’s crucial to make your request in person rather than via email. It is appropriate to discuss working remotely with your manager during a meeting if you regularly check in with them. If you don’t check in frequently, make a time to speak with someone.
The meeting’s atmosphere should reflect your relationship with your manager. If your relationship is casual and laid back, you can ask directly and start a light-hearted conversation about it. It’s important to make a formal request to meet with them if you only have a professional relationship, and to mention that you have suggestions for how to make your workplace better.
7. Be prepared to lead the meeting
In the event that you have to initiate the conversation with your manager, be ready to do so. Address how common it is for people in your industry and company to work from home before stating your interest in doing so. Give examples of your work that demonstrates how you can independently manage your time and complete projects.
8. Open a conversation
If working from home isn’t common at your company, especially if it isn’t requested often, be ready for the possibility that your employer won’t initially grant your request. Inform your manager that your request is flexible when you present the concept. Discuss the advantages of working from home with them, and offer any solutions you may have to address any possible concerns.
For instance, you could say, “I’m actually glad you brought up the some specific examples of concerns you might have,” in response to your manager raising concerns. Actually, I’ve studied extensively how other companies in our industry have successfully implemented remote work arrangements. Then, you can give them a physical, written proposal outlining your solution to the issue, along with your availability, the security precautions you will take to protect company data, and how frequently you will check in to make sure everything is running smoothly under the new arrangement.
9. Suggest a trial
Suggest beginning modestly by working from home just one day a week to make your employer more receptive to the idea. Once this concept has been approved, you can then show that working from home increases your productivity. After proving your dependability as a remote worker, you can request an increase in the number of days you can work from home.
10. Build trust in a trial period
If your employer permits a temporary work-from-home arrangement, take advantage of the chance to establish trust. Over-communicate about the work that youre doing. If you’re working on a project, consider what your manager might need from you at the start and request it right away. Make sure you are highly visible during those times if you are spending some days at the office. When you are far away, advise meeting and check-in via video chat rather than phone.
Work from Home – How to Ask Your Boss to Work from Home
FAQ
How do I convince my boss to let me work from home?
- Arm yourself with data. …
- Suggest a test. …
- Present a plan. …
- Take a working sick day. …
- Offer options. …
- Ramp up your productivity. …
- Be patient.
What is a good excuse to ask to work from home?
- Doctor’s Appointment. Duh. …
- Dentist Appointment. Everyone will assume you have gnarly teeth if you use this one more than twice per year.
- Car Troubles. Ah, one of my all-time favorites. …
- House Work. This one is good. …
- Family Emergency. …
- Vet Appointment. …
- Sick Kids. …
- Jury Duty.
How do you send an email asking for work from home?
Dear Sir/Madam, I am writing to ask that you please give me the opportunity to work from home for the next 30 days due to the current situation of daily increases in COVID positive cases. In the event of an emergency, I can go to the office, and I think I can handle all of my work-related tasks from home.
