How to convince your manager that you can work remotely
1. Do your best at what you do
2. Make a plan for your remote job proposal
3. Describe the benefits of remote work
4. Offer a trial period
5. It works!
Take on the challenges
Example Remote Work Proposal
Describe why you want work remotely
Describe the benefits
Describe the practicalities
Ask for equipment
Describe how you will keep in touch
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Many of us didn’t have to ask for remote work in 2020. It just happened. It just happened. However, there are still calls for office workers to get back to work. We need to ask ourselves if this is the life we want.
Let’s be deliberate about how the “return” to work happens. I put that in quotes because, like many people I have never stopped working.
Remote work is becoming the norm: Owllabs research shows that 30% of workers work remotely full-time, and that this was before the pandemic.
Remote work is ideal for project management, PMO work, and many other office-based management jobs.
You must ask to be a remote worker on a permanent basis if you want to be a permanent employee. Let’s now look at how to ask to work remotely.
Are you looking for advice on how to ask for part-time work? I’ve got you covered. Learn how to propose to work part-time.
How to convince your manager that you can work remotely
Here are five steps to convince your boss not to be in the office.
1. Do your best at what you do
It is important to demonstrate that you are competent at your job. You must be a top performer.
Why? Because your boss will trust you and consider you a trustworthy colleague.
This is a given. If they are deemed lazy, no manager will allow them to work from home. Even if they’re considered a slacker, or if they need a lot of help in their job, such as if they’re new.
Ask yourself: What was your last performance appraisal? If you don’t feel it is the right time, wait six months and then ask again.
2. Make a plan for your remote job proposal
Your manager will ask you the first question: “What does this mean for us?”
“Us” refers to the people you are leaving behind at work – the rest.
A clear plan is essential for how remote working will be done. Below is an example of remote working.
My first request for flexible work was denied due to the perceived negative impact on my team members. “If she does it, it’ll be done for me, it will be for everyone.”
Before you submit your proposal, it is a good idea to talk to your colleagues to find out their feelings about it. Ask your team members how they are living the remote worker lifestyle and include that information in your proposal.
3. Describe the benefits of remote work
Remote working reduces pollution. I don’t drink my tea so you can save money. Your desk chair is also less worn.
Most managers are aware of the general benefits of working from home. There are many studies that support this.
According to Upwork research, the top three benefits of remote work include:
no commute
Reduced attendance at non-essential meetings
There are fewer distractions in the office.
The study also found that 32% of hiring managers believed that productivity had increased.
Flexibility can also have a practical benefit for your company. It reduces risk. Flexible working is a benefit for managers that reduces risk. This could be because it protects them from being unable to work due to illness, bad weather, or other factors. 73% of managers say flexible working reduces risk.
It is worth reiterating the benefits of remote work and why they are so beneficial.
