In the not-so-distant past, the idea of a fully remote job workforce seemed far-fetched. However, the COVID-19 pandemic forced many of us to adapt to remote work, and employers witnessed that teams could remain productive in a virtual setting. As a result, many organizations worldwide have accepted new working norms, with a significant portion of employees opting for remote work arrangements.
According to McKinsey’s American Opportunity Survey, 35% of U.S. employees across all industries work remotely full-time, and 58% have the option to work from home at least once a week. Tech companies, in particular, have embraced remote work, with 52% of tech employees able to work remotely daily and 37% part-time.
Despite these positive trends, not all companies have embraced remote work. If your organization has not yet adopted this approach, you might wonder how to negotiate a work-from-anywhere arrangement. Requesting such a change can be a challenging conversation, especially if your employer believes that productivity is contingent on in-person observation. To make this task easier for you, we’ve put together five tips on how to approach your manager and ask to work remotely full-time.
Come Prepared: Prioritize Planning
Before initiating a conversation with your manager about working remotely, take the time to carefully consider all the details and anticipate potential questions that may arise. Preparation is key, and you should address the following points:
Clearly articulate your reasons for seeking a online job arrangement. Whether it’s to avoid lengthy commutes, support a family member in another state, or improve productivity while working from home, ensure you are transparent about your motivations.
Provide evidence of your reliability and responsibility as an employee. Demonstrating your ability to manage time effectively, prioritize tasks, and meet deadlines will bolster your supervisor’s confidence in your remote work capabilities.
Outline your plans for a home office arrangement. Ensure your manager knows that you have a dedicated workspace at home and can work in a distraction-free environment. Be prepared to discuss any necessary equipment or modifications.
Initiate a Casual Conversation First
Approaching the topic of online jobs in a casual conversation can be advantageous. This initial discussion can help gauge your manager’s feelings about remote work and identify their potential concerns. For example, if your manager highlights concerns about team communication, you can consider how to stay connected with colleagues and suggest collaboration tools.
Once you have addressed possible concerns and devised ways to mitigate them, you can request an official meeting to make your remote work proposal. Sending an email outlining the logistics before the meeting gives your boss time to consider your proposal thoughtfully.
Emphasize the Benefits for the Company
When asking your boss for a remote jobs work arrangement, focus on the advantages it can bring to the company. Highlight benefits such as:
Increased productivity while working from home.
Greater flexibility to be available for clients outside of standard office hours due to reduced commuting time.
Fewer sick days taken, as remote work allows you to continue working with mild illnesses.
By emphasizing how remote work can positively impact both you and the company, you signal that you care about the organization’s success.
Explain How Remote Work Will Function
Your manager will want assurance that remote work can run smoothly. To address this, break down your daily responsibilities and explain how you will complete tasks when not physically present in the office. Some aspects to cover include:
The hours you will be available for colleagues and clients.
A brief description of your home workstation.
Communication and collaboration tools you will use for daily tasks.
Your plan for performance monitoring.
Proactively addressing potential concerns and offering solutions demonstrates thorough preparation and strengthens your manager’s confidence in your ability to work remotely.
Propose a Trial Period
Transitioning to a permanent, fully remote work arrangement can be a significant change for any organization. If your manager appears hesitant, consider proposing a trial period to gauge the impact of remote work on your productivity and team collaboration. For instance, you could suggest working from home for two days a week initially or trying full-time remote work for a few weeks. After the agreed trial period, revisit the conversation to discuss your performance, any unexpected challenges, and how you plan to address them moving forward.
In the event that your manager remains resistant to the proposed options, respect their decision and consider your next steps. They may need more time to reflect, or you may explore opportunities with other organizations that offer greater flexibility.
Final Thoughts
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics data indicates that more companies are embracing flexible work arrangements, making your manager more receptive to the idea of remote work than you may anticipate. Don’t hesitate to inquire about the possibility of remote jobs work. When making your request, clearly communicate your intentions, outline your plans, and demonstrate how the benefits outweigh any concerns. By thoughtfully approaching this conversation, you increase the likelihood of a successful negotiation for a work-from-anywhere arrangement
