How to Ask Your Boss if You Can Go Remote
I am someone you could call an old-timer in the remote working world because I’ve been working remotely since 2018, long before the pandemic. Clearly, I’m a big fan of the working from home (or working from anywhere) lifestyle. Before the rest of the world went remote in 2020, I remember the polarized reactions I’d get when I would tell people I worked remotely. There was plenty of “Oh that sounds like a dream!” but there was even more of “I could never do that; I wouldn’t get anything done!”
I’ve noticed quite the shift since so many people have now dipped their toes in the WFH pool, with many people enjoying it more than they thought they would. Now that vaccines are becoming widespread and most offices are starting to return to in-person work, a lot of those people are looking for ways to make their remote working situation more permanent.
If that sounds like you, use these tips for that nerve-wracking chat with the boss.
How to Ask Your Boss About Going Remote
1. Choose Your Timing Wisely
You’re asking your boss for a favor, so of course, you want to ask while they’re in a good mood. Keep an eye on their communication and see when they seem to have a smile on their face and have time to talk. Depending on your workplace, you could schedule a meeting with them too. Will they see the meeting on the calendar and think you’re quitting? Maybe, but if so, it might actually work in your favor because they’ll be so relieved when they find out you’re not.
2. Explain Your Value Working Remotely
It’s obvious why remote working is good for you, but to sell your boss on the idea, you need to show them why it’s good for them too. Maybe you’re more productive at home, or perhaps you’re able to work hours that are more convenient for them because you’re not trying to schedule your commutes around traffic. The value might even be that you “want to continue to grow within the company” and that working remotely will “create an environment that I feel like I can stay in long-term” (i.e., you’ll be a happier employee so you’re less likely to leave the job).
3. Provide an Outline of Your Plan
You want to paint a picture of how productive you’ll be while working remotely. Write up a success plan to make that happen. Include details like a list of the communication tools you’ll use to keep in touch with the team. If there are projects you’d normally need in-office resources for, explain how you’ll accomplish those tasks remotely.
Type up those details to hand them to your boss. Think of this as a one-pager your boss can mull over while they’re making their decision, so make sure you include a list of those advantages from tip #2 as well.
4. Offer Time to Think
Don’t put your boss on the spot or expect an answer from them right away. In fact, explicitly tell them that you don’t expect an immediate answer and that they can take their time to think it over. Still, it doesn’t hurt to ask for their initial thoughts or questions when you finish your spiel so you can put their first concerns or questions to rest.
Give it Some Time
Truth be told, some employers are a tougher sell than others when it comes to working from home. All you can do is to hit them with your best pitch and see what they say. Hopefully your boss sees your hard work, recognizes how great you are to have on their team, and gives you a chance.
If you do get the “yes” and you want some work companions, we’re here and ready to go! Check out our upcoming coworking meetups or learn how to join our crew.