Mastering the Remote Game: Winning More Home Office Days
Increased flexibility for remote work days granted.
Are you tired of the 9-5 grind? More and more employees are seeking flexible work arrangements, but not all employers are on board. This guide will help you convinice your manager to grant you more home office days.
Negotiation Strategies
Successfully arguing for remote work hinges on job-related arguments that put employers at ease about employee productivity concerns. Here are some winning arguments:
Super Productivity: "Working from home can significantly boost productivity," says business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland. Research shows that productivity soars, particularly when remote workers spend only a few days a week in the office. Structured home office routine often leads to more focused work.
Time Management: Eliminating the daily commute means more time for work-related tasks, especially during peak hours. Gietzen-Wieland suggests that this argument can be particularly persuasive.
Cost Savings: Reduced expenses for utilities, cleaning, and possibly commuting, coupled with potential lower sick leave rates, can save your company money and resources.
Green for Green: With the commute limited, your employer's carbon footprint shrinks, aligning with eco-friendly goals.
Life-Work Synergy: Strike a better work-life balance, but keep it casual. Zacher, a professor of work and organizational psychology at Leipzig University, advises focusing on objective arguments rather than personal benefits.
Arguments to Steer Clear
Be careful when using family responsibilities like childcare as reasons for work-from-home days. Zacher warns that employers might suspect that you're misusing home office time for other activities.
Even arguments like "I need to pick up the kids from school" or "I'd like to have lunch with my partner" can backfire in hybrid work models, where responsibility for work-life balance is self-managed.
Negotiation Tactics
Timing is crucial, says Zacher. Use the annual review as an opportunity to discuss extending remote work. Leverage trust and good relationships with your manager, emphasizing past success and workplace rapport.
Prep hard for the discussion and prepare solutions to quell employer concerns, like proposing a trial period or agreeing on set goals.
When to Cut the Chord
If negotiations hit a dead-end, it's time to reassess. If the commute leads to excessive stress or office noise sickens you, consider a job change. Look for positions with flexible work arrangements that meet your needs. Attentively scout job ads for hints, and during job interviews, ask specific questions about flexibility offers.
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"By highlighting the potential for increased productivity through vocational training during home office days, asremote work can lead to focused and structured work routines, you may find a sympathetic ear from your employer in the pursuit of flexible work arrangements. Your career development and personal growth can be advanced through education-and-self-development opportunities during your remote days, demonstrating your commitment to lifestyle and long-term success within the community policy."
"In the event that negotiations for more home office days prove unsuccessful, consider opportunities for career development in a new role that prioritizes a lifestyle that aligns with your work preferences. Research jobs at organizations that value education-and-self-development and offer vocational training, as these factors can lead to a fulfilling career and personal-growth, while promoting productivity and productivity in a work-from-home setting."
