Score More Home Office Days: A Guided Negotiation Approach
More work-from-home opportunities opened up for employees.
Craving a less conventional work setup? Not all companies are eager to accommodate work-from-home requests, but here's how to sway your employer.
The Key to Persuasion: Focus on Job Tasks and Benefits
Hinge your arguments on job roles and functions, addressing common employer concerns, such as reduced productivity when working outside the office. Propose clear goals and deadlines to alleviate any doubts.
Powerful Triggers: Arguments for Your Employer's Ears
Highlight the following persuasive pointers during your negotiation:
Boosted Productivity: According to business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland, remote employees exhibit significantly higher productivity, particularly when they spend only a few days a week working from home. A more flexible work schedule generally results in higher concentration levels.
Savvy Time Management: Rather than using valuable hours commuting, employees can instead channel these moments productively for the company. This argument could prove particularly effective during peak work periods.
Financial Efficiency: Employers can save on utilities, cleaning, and potentially commuting allowances when employees work remotely. Additionally, reduced office attendance might lower the company's sick leave rate due to decreased germ sharing among colleagues.
Environmental Impact: Eliminating daily commutes significantly minimizes the company's carbon footprint, promoting a greener corporate image.
Enhanced Work-Life Balance: While mentioning work-life balance is important, it's essential to keep this point brief in favor of objective, data-driven arguments.
Be cautious with these arguments:
Though seemingly self-explanatory, job-related arguments like needing to pick up children or have lunch with a partner can potentially backfire. These reasons may lead employers to perceive employees as potentially less productive while working remotely. Instead, emphasize objective facts and data in your talks with management.
Strategic Negotiation Approach
The ideal time to bring up the work-from-home topic is during performance reviews, as employees can then point out that existing work-from-home arrangements have been successful and now wish to expand the setup.
In established work relationships, employees can utilize their past successes, trust, and good standing to make a stronger case. Be prepared with solutions for any employer concerns and consider suggesting a trial period.
When to Cut Your Losses
If your employer remains rigid despite logical arguments, it may be time to consider a job change, especially if the daily commute is causing stress or health issues. When job-hunting, prioritize roles with flexibility, and probe further on the company's interpretation of remote work during interviews.
Data Sources: ntv.de, azioniadecura.it, jobberman.com.ng
- Incorporate the topic of remote work into performance reviews, as this provides an opportunity to showcase the success of current work-from-home arrangements and express a desire for expansion.
- To strengthen your case for remote work, focus on data and objective facts, rather than personal reasons such as needing to pick up children or having lunch with a partner, as these might be perceived as potential indicators of reduced productivity.
- If your employer remains resistant to the idea of remote work despite logical arguments, consider seeking employment elsewhere, particularly in positions that prioritize flexibility, and delve deeper into the company's remote work policies during job interviews.
