Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on Penny Hoarder.
The coronavirus pandemic has allowed more workers than ever before to reap the benefits of working from home. Some did not want to go back, which led to the need to negotiate working from home.
It’s on the minds of many, as another Gallup poll found that 90% of those who can work from home don’t want to work in an office full time. Most are fine with a mixed application.
If you’re one of the many workers affected by back-to-office orders, what can you do to negotiate working from home? We’ll look at your options, and what you can do to request work-from-home days if you’re looking for a new job.
Why Should You Consider Working From Home?
Before you look for work from home jobs or ask your current employer for flexibility, ask yourself if this is what you really want. Although there are many benefits, remote workers report that they have trouble communicating with their colleagues. It may also mean fewer training opportunities for young workers.
However, there are many reasons to work from home one or more days a week. You’ll save time and money on travel and avoid common office distractions. There are distractions at home, too, which is why some people feel more productive at the office.
If you have realistic long-term career expectations, you can look for an employer that offers the flexibility you need. Or, get your current employer to let you work the couch sometimes.
Whether you are looking for work from home positions or you want to change the structure of your current job, the art of negotiation plays an important role. Here are some expert tips for convincing your boss to allow remote work.
1. Research Potential Employers
The best time to discuss work from home days is before you get a job. You can skip applying for positions that require an office presence, but Elev8 Coaching and Resumes owner Lisa Dupras cautions against that. Some of his clients have discussed success working from home when the job is listed as local.
However, it is important to research the company’s remote work capabilities. Dupras suggests searching a potential employer’s website for a remote policy. Browse company social media, blogs and articles for signs of a work/life balance.
“It’s also helpful to read past employee reviews on Glassdoor or talk to current employees,” says Dupras. “LinkedIn can be a great source of information by contacting current employees or reviewing job postings to find a job outside of the company.”
2. Look around
If you already have a job, you probably know whether or not you can work from home. Has your employer ever taken a position on remote work? How does your boss feel about working from home days?
Scott Lieberman, founder of Touchdown Money, recommends that you thoroughly understand your employer’s policies before approaching your boss to work from home.
“Reviewing any handbooks or talking to an HR person will clarify exactly what the terms are about your job description,” Lieberman says. “Find out if others have negotiated work-from-home days and succeeded.”
3. Fix Your Case
The key to success with any employer negotiation is making the business case. Whether you’re negotiating for a new position or trying to make a change in your existing job, a business cares more about its bottom line.
Maybe your office space could be used for something else, or you have a particularly long commute that limits the hours you can devote to work. If you are faced with the responsibility of returning to the office, your productivity data can help.
“Key talking points should include why you believe remaining a remote worker will benefit the company, such as cost savings and increased productivity,” says Lieberman. “Remind them of the good work you did during your time as a remote worker.”
4. Be Willing to Compromise
Working from home doesn’t have to be an all-or-nothing proposition. In fact, part-time jobs are more common than working entirely from home, according to a report by the National Bureau of Economic Research. Accepting a day or two at the office can be a way for both parties to get what they want.
“You may have to compromise some time in the office and work remotely,” says Lieberman. “Propose a trial period for the employer to see the effectiveness of the new arrangement.”
5. Know Your Value
Bill Catlette, a partner at Contented Cow Partners, believes that the key to success in any labor negotiations is to drive home the value of the employee. Showing that you are invaluable gives you a better chance of working from home for current and potential jobs.
“The only real advantage you have is related to how willing the employer is to retain your skills at some point in the unknown,” Catlette said.
6. Prepare to Travel
Many experts say that the key to winning interviews is your willingness to walk. That’s not so easy with a job you rely on to pay the bills.
But if your boss says no, you only have two choices: stay and accept the work plan or find another.
The best thing about work-from-home positions is that they are often open to a wide range of candidate areas. When you start your job search, make sure you don’t limit your options to local businesses. Even if you work on site a few times a year, you may need to cut out the daily hustle and bustle of the office.
Working from home brings many benefits, but not all employers allow it. Discuss working from home like how you negotiate salary and benefits. If you can gather information and make a good case for remote work, your boss is more likely to agree. You also have to be willing to compromise, even if it means going into the office a few days a week or more.
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