Asking for Flexibility at Work
by Lori K. Long, Ph.D.
If the chaos in your life has you stressed, you might need a more flexible work arrangement. Many variations on flexible work exist such as reduced hours, a shift in schedule or an opportunity to work from home. Such a change could lead to less stress and more time for you and your family.
The key to getting the schedule you want is to convince your company that your request is in their best interest. Consider how your altered work arrangement could be a solution to a problem your company faces. For example, reducing your hours could help cut costs, or working from home could free up much-needed office space.
Once you've built the business case for flexibility, put your proposal in writing. A well-written proposal should clearly spell out the arrangement you want, how you will get your work done, how the company benefits, any changes in your compensation, contingency plans for unexpected workload changes, and a recommended trial period.
Deliver your proposal with confidence and be prepared to negotiate. You might need to ask more than once, but with perseverance, you can get a flexible schedule that helps you to manage the chaos in your life.
Lori K. Long, Ph.D., is author of The Parent's Guide to Family Friendly Work (Career Press, 2007). Learn more at www.familyfriendlywork.net.
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