5. Anticipate obstacles
Whatever your company’s barriers might be, try to guess them in advance. Be prepared to counter them and reduce their objections by coming up with some helpful ideas to smooth any worries.
For instance, you could offer to use time tracking or project management software to make them feel confident in your output or offer to check in with them a couple of times a day for the first few weeks. Maybe suggest a project that will be highly visible to the rest of the team so no one else can accuse you of slacking off.
6. Be prepared to compromise
Put your request in writing and if they say no, ask why and offer a compromise. Consider asking for one day a week or even per month and see if it’s possible to review the situation again in six months’ time.
Again, have good reasons why this will help you be more productive and effective in your job. Remember that although your employer is perfectly entitled to you working hard for them in a location of their choosing, it’s also a balance where they should be prepared to listen to what conditions will help you to do your job better and enhance your wellbeing.
If they aren’t that kind of employer, then maybe it’s a sign that it’s time to look elsewhere after all.
If you really want to work from home and it’s ultimately a no from your boss, then don’t feel bitter. They’re entitled to make the decision that’s right for them, even if you feel it’s wrong. A lot of employers still struggle with the out-dated idea that those working from home are lazier – when in fact, research shows that they are often more dedicated and happier workers than office-based staff.
If your request is turned down, don’t give up. In fact, it might make you even more determined to move towards working from home than you were before.
The good news is that changes in technology mean that the wider world is more receptive than ever before to the idea of telecommuting. It might mean changing employers or even changing careers to find something more flexible, but you can find a way if it’s what you really want – and it’s totally worth it when you do.
Has this post inspired you to work from home? Would you miss the buzz and social activity of the office? Let us know in the comments!
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