The biggest difference that you will make in negotiating for remote work in your favor is how prepared you are for the discussion with your manager. Focus on how you’re going to persuade them into allowing you to work remote and how you can show them that this is good for them too. This is why I am going to ask you to illustrate how something you are negotiating for will have a positive business impact, meaning – will it profit the company in some way? We want to think about their return on investment for keeping you as an employee and allowing you to work remote. One of the reasons I was able to build multiple income streams and an online business on the side of my day job is because I am a 100% remote worker. Generally, “If you’re concerned about going back, you should have an honest conversation with your employer,” Steele Flippin says.
She recommends listing a dollar amount roughly $5,000 higher than your target to give you room if HR counteroffers. Young workers also have more access to pay data than ever through online resources and new laws that require businesses in some states and cities to list ranges on job openings. Despite her excitement and one offer she considered her “dream role for an amount of money I never expected,” she didn’t accept either right away — with the ball in her court, she knew it was time to negotiate. After a call to her mom to celebrate, she immediately rang up her mentor for his advice on how to make the ask. Sending that quick email, McGoodwin added, will save both you and your future employer unnecessary stress and confusion.
With the increasing popularity of remote work, many employees are seeking the flexibility to work from home. However, some companies still require employees to be onsite 5 days a week. If you find yourself in this situation and wish to negotiate for the ability to work from home, here are some strategies that may help.
“I also didn’t want to uproot my two kids or my husband.” Wolff asked her employer if she could tackle her new role leading the brand’s real estate strategy remotely from Boston, and to her surprise, they agreed. For example, if you’re part of a global team based in Southern California but want to work remotely from New York, you could be better equipped to interact with European clients by working East Coast hours. “Those kinds of things are really compelling,” said organizational psychologist Lauren Catenacci. Before asking your manager if you can work from home permanently, find out whether any other employees have been granted this benefit.
1. Understand Company Policies and Culture
If you’re already working from home due to the pandemic, you may be in a prime position to strategize your way to working remotely for the long-term. If you’re not already working from home but want to, these strategies can still apply. A big variety of great hotels around the city are offering a “work from hotel” package that welcomes all city-dwellers to change up their working atmosphere in a peaceful, comfortable hotel room.
Set clear expectations regarding working hours, availability, and communication methods. Include a detailed plan outlining how you will manage tasks, ensure collaboration, and maintain accountability. Utilize visual aids, such as tables and graphics, to enhance your proposal’s visual appeal and comprehension. Put yourself in your employer’s shoes and anticipate potential objections. Address these concerns proactively in your negotiation strategy to alleviate doubts and build trust.
Before initiating any negotiation, it is important to have a thorough understanding of your company’s policies and culture regarding remote work. Take note of any existing remote work arrangements within the organization and whether there is a precedent for such arrangements being approved.
The Americans With Disabilities Act (ADA) allows protected employees to ask for a work-from-home accommodation as long as the employee can still reasonably do their job. Employers have control over the work location and environment they provide for employees. They have the right to tell employees that the office has reopened for work on a particular date. If an employer has the right to fire, or at least not pay, an employee who refuses to return to work in person. If your employer has reopened offices, or is planning on reopening offices, do you want to ask to continue to work remotely? Based on the scenario laid out by your employer, see how it affects your desire to request to do remote work from home.
2. Highlight the Benefits of Remote Work
When negotiating for the ability to work from home, it is crucial to highlight the benefits that remote work can bring to both you and the company. Emphasize how working from home can increase your productivity, improve work-life balance, and reduce commuting costs and time.
3. Propose a Trial Period
If your employer is hesitant about allowing remote work on a permanent basis, consider proposing a trial period to demonstrate its feasibility. During this trial period, you can showcase your ability to effectively work from home while meeting all job responsibilities.
4. Offer Solutions to Address Concerns
Address any concerns that your employer may have about remote work by offering solutions to mitigate potential challenges. This could include setting up regular check-ins, utilizing project management tools, or providing weekly progress reports to ensure transparency and accountability.
5. Be Flexible and Open to Compromise
While advocating for the ability to work from home, it is important to remain flexible and open to compromise. Be willing to negotiate on the number of days per week you work remotely, or consider alternative arrangements such as a hybrid schedule that combines onsite and remote work.
By approaching the negotiation process with a clear understanding of company policies, highlighting the benefits of remote work, proposing a trial period, offering solutions to address concerns, and being flexible and open to compromise, you may increase your chances of successfully negotiating for the ability to work from home when your job is going to be onsite 5 days a week.
