Amid the pandemic, more people have started to enjoy working remotely – and you are one of them.
Some companies have adopted a permanent work-from-home model, while others will utilize multiple hybrid models once offices start to open completely. Shopify CEO Tobi Lutke once tweeted that “Office centricity is over.” The current working trend is pointing towards a remote workforce becoming a new normal post-pandemic. But how about your company? If you want to work from home, now is the time to talk to your boss.
Firstly, you have to align your desire to work remotely with the company's goals. Thus, you have to gather intel on the management's plan - whether they need to cut costs or are concerned with employees' productivity. Ergo, reaching out to your colleague and spending some time researching your company's objective is the way to go.
Next, write a proposal. Write down your findings, the best work you have done while working remotely, and emphasize your efficiency despite working from home. You can also add the positive impact of letting you work remotely on the company. You can attach a few examples, such as fewer office expenses. The proposal needs to highlight a win-win situation.
Besides that, you can also suggest a trial period of remote working while the rest of the office opens. Three months is an appropriate amount of time to ask for a trial. During this trial period, you must focus on your performance and productivity so that your boss can evaluate your work accordingly.
Since this is a negotiation between you and your boss, it is advisable to do it face-to-face or via phone call rather than sending the details in an email. Negotiating can be uncomfortable for both parties. Therefore, you need to be able to see or hear your boss's reaction to your proposal.
Ultimately, if your boss is still hesitant to let you work from home full time, you can ask if you can adopt a hybrid work model. However, you also need to understand your company's main concern over letting their employees work remotely. After all, there must be a reason why your company is making this decision.
Know the company's goals
Write a proposal
Suggest a trial period
Negotiate in person or over the phone
