How to Ask Your Manager to Work From Home
Working from home requires motivation and concentration, but some people prefer working from home because they can set their own hours, sleep in a bit longer and get some house chores done throughout the day. If you want to start working from home but keep your current job, you need to convince your manager that this decision is best for both of you. To do this, create a list of arguments, and be prepared to be flexible when your manager offers suggestions or have questions.
Other People Are Reading
Instructions
-
-
1
Create a list of arguments as to why you should start working from home. Arguments will vary depending on the given situation, but can include increased productivity in the home, a personal reasons such as illness or injury, or the fact that you do not need to communicate often with other individuals in the company to do your job.
-
2
Approach your manager, and ask to set up a meeting. Propose the idea of working from home when the meeting starts. Use your previous work experience, work ethic and productivity as your arguments. Tell your manager that you have a proven work record and can get just as much work done from home. Use your arguments from step 1 to improve your case.
-
-
3
Listen to your manager's concerns, and be flexible. The manager might need to establish some trust with you working from home. Offer a trial period in which you may work from home two or three days out of the week. This trial period will show your manager that you are flexible and willing to adjust to suit the company's needs.
-
4
Work hard on the two or three days a week when you are home to show your work ethics and productivity. You need to prove to your manager that working from home is the best option for you and the company. This might require discipline on your part, so sleeping in, going for lunch with friends and doing house chores might have to wait until the evenings or weekends.
-
5
Approach your manager when the trial period has ended. Show your manager your productivity, and ask to work more days from home. Once more, listen to and address your manager's concerns regarding the arrangement.
-
6
Be professional when working from home. Set your working hours so they correspond with the company's hours of operation, and dress as if you are working at the office. A conference call with your manager or a quick visit to the company can reveal how serious you are taking the arrangement.
-
1
References
- Photo Credit B2M Productions/Polka Dot/Getty Images
