5 Tips for Convincing Your Boss To Let You Work From Home
So you think you want to work from home? Follow these tips for introducing the idea to your boss.
So you think you want to work from home?
“Working from home is tricky, in spite of its benefits,” says Dawn Chandler, associate professor of management at Queens University of Charlotte. “Realize that your boss may be apprehensive about you working from home, so you may need to ease into it.”
She suggests these tips for introducing the idea to your boss.
1. Talk about it in person. Trust and rapport are better built face-to-face.
2. Make sure you have met or exceeded expectations prior to asking. Working from home involves uncertainty, so an employee who has demonstrated competence will be viewed as a better work-from-home candidate.
3. Convey ways to maintain and build relationships. Working from home can make it difficult to maintain relationships. Be willing to come to the office a few days a week and conduct some work via Skype or phone when necessary.
4. Have a good reason to work from home that is work-related. For example, without a commute, explain that working from home will enable you to work more, yet flexible, hours.
5. Prepare for the discussion ahead of time. Consider possible objections and ways you'll respond, and be prepared to compromise if need be.
Emily Schappacher is a wife, mother and writer based in Huntersville, North Carolina.
