How to Score More Home Office Days: A Strategy Guide
Increased Number of Remote Work Days Granted for Employees
Living the 9-to-5 office life is a thing of the past for many workers. But not all bosses are open to the idea of their employees working from home more frequently. Here's how to sail through those negotiations and get the home office days you deserve.
Secret Weapons:Keep the focus on tasks and job-specific advantages when making your case to your boss. Aim to quell their concerns, such as reduced productivity in a home setting. Agreeing on measurable goals can help pave the way.
Winning Arguments:
- Boosted Productivity: Business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland claims that home workers are often overwhelmingly more productive. Research backs this up, especially for those who work from home a few days a week. Flexible work schedules foster increased concentration.
- Time Savings: Instead of wasting time traversing between home and office and getting stuck in traffic, the time saved can be utilized effectively for the company, especially during peak periods.
- Reduced Expenses: Companies save on costs like electricity, cleaning, and possible travel subsidies when employees work remotely. Additionally, sick leave rates may decrease because the risk of germ spread among colleagues in the office is minimized.
- Environmental Friendliness: Eliminating commutes reduces the company's carbon footprint, fostering a greener corporate culture.
- Improved Work-Life Balance: Working from home often encourages a better balance between personal and professional commitments. However, it's best to emphasize objective advantages rather than solely focusing on work-life balance.
Arguments to Avoid:Though it may seem logical, don't bring up childcare or caring for elderly relatives as reasons for wanting more home office time. Your employer may perceive these as potential distractions from work, leading to suspicions about your productivity.
Negotiate Strategically:Timing is crucial when discussing home office arrangements. Ideally, bring up the topic during performance reviews, explaining that the current home office setup has been successful, and you'd like to expand upon it.
Remember, preparation is key. Have solutions on hand if your boss expresses concerns and agree on specific goals to be achieved within a predefined time frame.
When to Walk Away:If your employer remains inflexible despite thoughtful arguments, you might want to consider a job change. Look for positions with family-friendly policies like remote work or flexible schedules. During job interviews, ask questions about the company's stance on these issues to find a workplace that suits your needs.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- To strengthen a case for more home office days in the context of the community policy, consider citing the financial benefits to the business, such as reduced expenses and increased productivity through vocational training that can be completed during working hours, thereby improving career opportunities for employees.
- In the face of a less open-minded employer, it may be beneficial to explore vocational training programs that could enhance one's skill set, ultimately positioning oneself as a valuable asset to a business that offers such opportunities, potentially leading to a more welcoming stance on home office days.
