How to Request Flex Time at Work

Flex time at work can be a major perk. The opportunity to work different hours each day, condense your work week or even work from home part-time can be a great way to achieve a work-life balance. You may be convinced that you'll be more productive as a result, but you've got to persuade your boss first. Here's how to effectively request flex time at work.

Instructions

1. Determine what kind of flex time you're hoping for. Various types of flex time include a condensed work week, an alternative work schedule, part-time work or job sharing. Condensed work weeks and alternative schedules are the most frequent types of flex time requested, and are generally the easiest for an employer to accommodate.

2. Evaluate your position and performance level. Are you even a candidate for flex time? If you work independently and others don't need you around to accomplish their own tasks, it may work for you. You must also be a proven employee that has demonstrated responsibility, efficiency and a high work ethic.

3. Create a written proposal that details how you will accomplish your tasks within this new work schedule. Consider how the new schedule might interfere with your own responsibilities, or those of your co-workers, and find a way around it.

4. Research other companies in your industry to see how they handle giving employees flex time. Showing your employer that their competitors allow it will give them a good reason to consider it.

5. Skip the personal details. Your employer doesn't care about how flex time can help you get to your child's dance recitals in the afternoon-- they want to know how it can save them time and money. Instead, tell them you feel that flex time will help you better concentrate on your tasks and get them done more efficiently.

6. Tell your employer about the ways flex time will benefit them directly. For example, offer to use hours saved by working from home rather than commuting one or two days a week to get more work done. If you feel you'll be more motivated and productive if you can work during a different schedule each day, let them know.

7. Propose a trial period. Your employer will be more likely to grant your request if they have a way out in case they feel it isn't working.

8. Be ready to respond to any concerns your employer might have about your request. For example, if you think your boss might object due to a concern that you won't be available for important meetings, be sure to let them know you plan on attending.

9. Have patience while you wait for a response. If it seems to be taking a while, you can politely request a time frame in which you can expect an answer.

10. Try again later if you're turned down. You may want to use the time until then to increase your productivity and show more independence and responsibility. Flex time is a reward--you're not entitled to it. You need to show that you're worth the special consideration.