As more businesses switch to remote and hybrid workforce models, they're naturally becoming more open to flexible work options. The lockdowns that resulted from the Covid-19 pandemic helped leaders understand just how beneficial flexible work options can be, and many businesses are choosing to remain more flexible even as life returns to normal.
An employee working in a remote or hybrid position may feel insecure requesting a more flexible work schedule from their boss, even when they feel the benefits are clear. Here, eight members of Forbes Human Resources Council share the best and most effective ways to request a more flexible work schedule.
Forbes Human Resources Council members share their insights.
Photos courtesy of individual members.1. Evaluate How Adaptive The Organization Is
Read the room. One of the best ways to approach asking for a more flexible work schedule is to evaluate how adaptive the organization is. Are they letting other employees have flexible working hours? Leaders set the tone for the culture and it’s important to identify if what you’re asking for is within their scope. If not, it may not be the place for you. - Danny Speros, Zenefits
2. Share Your Need And Rationale For Change
Be upfront and bold. Try to encapsulate how this will not only drive your engagement but also strive to drive enhanced productivity. Consider how it would work in practice and turn up with a fully-fledged solution. - Paul Phillips, Avanade
3. Be Transparent And Honest
When an employee feels the need to request a more flexible work schedule, they should be transparent and honest about the reasons behind the request. Be prepared to present a well-thought-out case that fully explains the situation, reassures the employer that productivity will not suffer and displays an appreciation for the opportunity to have a more flexible schedule. This helps foster trust. - Niki Jorgensen, Insperity
4. Be Aware Of Your Limitations
Be honest about your limitations. During the pandemic, we learned the importance of time and how effective we can be teleworking. Have a plan built out that clearly demonstrates the organization’s benefit to your remote working. For example, more availability due to the elimination of travel or higher productivity on projects due to improved conditions for focus time. - Nakisha Griffin, Ripple Effect
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5. Share Your Plan With The Supervisor
Organizations with flexible work schedule policies should also have guidelines for employees. This may include the alternative childcare arrangements made, so telecommuting parents are free to work. Employees should write a plan and share it with the supervisor who can help with their cause. Most important is the feedback loop that employees establish with their managers. - Soumyasanto Sen, People Conscience
6. Show Deliverables Met And Exceeded
If an employee wants support to have a more remote or flexible schedule, they should show the deliverables that they have met and exceeded. The work will speak for itself as many companies are more focused on retaining strong talent versus when and where they work. - Jessica Adams, Brad's Deals
7. Treat The Request As A Business Proposition
Think win-win. When requesting a flexible work schedule, treat it as a business proposition. Evaluate the pros and cons of your request from your employer's perspective and come out with a plan to mitigate any adverse impact. State the benefits that you derive from this flexibility and offer a trial period to overcome any initial resistance depending upon the culture of the organization. - Kumar Abhishek, S&P Global
8. Address Any Reservations
Focus on impact to the business. What will be gained by having a more flexible schedule? For example, will this mean increased ability to support global team members or clients? Will it result in more productive time due to less time spent commuting? What is the impact of not implementing a flexible schedule? Frame things in terms of impact and then ask if there are reservations and address those directly. - Nicole Fernandes, Blu Ivy Group
