Working in the office from 9 to 5 every day might not be the best arrangement for everyone. This is especially true today when technology allows for exceptional flexibility in work.
Among types of flexible work arrangements, flexible working hours allow people to have more control over their daily schedule and work during their peak productive period. While other arrangement may leave people an option to select their work space.
If you think that you could benefit from a relaxed arrangement, keep reading for valuable tips on how to negotiate for one.
Getting Ready to Ask for a Flexible Work Arrangement
In this section, we’ll inform you on various flexible work arrangements for full-time workers and how you can prep yourself before asking for one.
Know the Types of Flexible Arrangements
Firstly, know your options. Different companies implement different policies on flexibility in the workplace. Some examples are:
- Flexible work hours
A simple system of setting core hours and allowing workers to complete their hours anytime within a specific window. For example, employees need to work for 8 hours anytime between 8am – 7pm.
- Work from home
Allows employees to pick a day or two to work remotely, whether at home or another place of their choice.
- Condensed workweeks
Condensing the typical 40-hour work week from 5 days to 4 days. This equates to 4 days of 10-hour working period. Simply put, longer days, shorter work week.
Determine What Works for You
Before going any further, it is important to assess your position, job nature, and what type of arrangement would be fitting for your situation. For instance, working remotely may not work if you need a constant face-to-face with your team members to complete daily task.
You should also consider your working style, and assess your strengths and weaknesses. If you have problems with being disciplined with time, asking for a flexible schedule might not be a good idea.
Consider Your Employer's Perspective
After considering your needs, it is essential to take your employer’s perspective into account when asking for a flexible work arrangement. Think of how communication and project management can be executed smoothly with your work arrangement. This shows that your customised workweek can still benefit your boss, your team, and the company.
Check Your Company's Policy
It’s good to check your company’s policy. Maybe HR already has one, looking to implement one, or you already can recognize someone with a relaxed arrangement. You can check with HR whether similar arrangements are available for your position.
Making Your Case in the Negotiation
Now that you know exactly what you’re aiming for, it is time to ask for what you want.
In the following sections, we’ll give ideas on points to raise during the negotiation that may increase your chances of success.
Impact to Workplace Satisfaction
All employees, regardless of their position within the company, face a unique set of challenges in their private lives. Maybe you need flexible hours so that you can drop off your kids to school every morning or you want to take a course after work.
A company’s ability to recognise these challenges and help employees overcome them may contribute more to workplace satisfaction than raises and promotions.
Success Stories from Other Companies
It’s always a good idea to do a bit of research and arm yourself with several success stories from other companies. The examples should involve companies and positions similar to yours. Put special emphasis on the positive sides of each example and how all sides benefited from custom arrangements.
This also helps to demonstrate that your flexible arrangement doesn’t mean more strain on the rest of your team and the company as you have already considered your job nature and the team’s needs.
Offer a Demo
Actions speak louder than words. People are more inclined to believe tangible achievements than stories. In case your boss is on the fence, you might want to offer to demo your proposal.
For example, you might offer a trial period of a week or two, after which you’ll have another meeting where you’ll assess the situation together before making the final decision.
Keeping Your Part of the Bargain
Finally, if you do get what you ask for, you should make sure to keep your end of the bargain. That way, you’ll demonstrate to your boss and your company that you’re a trustworthy employee and that their risk was justified. Prove your point that you can still collaborate well and finish your tasks on time without compromising quality.
Now that you’re on track to ask for the work arrangement that you like, we wish you good luck!