So you’ve finally decided that working remotely is the right move, but the idea of talking to your boss about it makes you break out in hives? You’re not alone. Hard conversations like this one are nerve-racking. However, if the idea of another lengthy commute and the inflexibility of your current office situation makes you even more nervous - this post is written just for you.
This might just be the chance you need to show your boss that you are looking for ways within your role to bring more value to your company or organization. In this post, we’ll show you how to prepare for (or start) this important conversation between you and your boss, helping you get one step closer to getting what you want.
ask the right questionS
Before you kick off the conversation - consider the fact that, despite what we’d like to believe, not every job can be done in a remote work situation. Here are a few quick questions that will give you an idea as to whether or not you’re well suited for working remotely:
What parts of my job cannot be done remotely?
How do I get my best work done?
Do I need the combined energy and hum of the office to be productive or do I need solitude to get the best results?
What is the technical framework necessary to make it feasible? Do I need a company laptop with certain applications or secure corporate network access? Is there a telephone system that can forward all of my incoming calls?
take a minute for some introspection
Are you in good standing with your boss? Are you self-driven, disciplined with an excellent track record? If you can work without your boss’s physical presence and constant input, remote working might be the next step.
Now is also a good time to ask yourself: what would my boss need to feel comfortable with me working remotely? Does he/she need formal check-ins? Progress reports?
Try and put yourself in his/her shoes and try and anticipate their needs.
Do your research
Is there a company policy on remote working? Is it in the employee handbook or are there unwritten practices governing remote working? It might be helpful to do a bit of investigating - perhaps some of your coworkers are already working remotely. If this is the case, compare your positions and roles, and even ask them if it is working well for them or not.
Keep in mind that the opportunity to work remotely is a chance to prove to your boss that you can be trusted with more autonomy. Come up with S.M.A.R.T goals (specific, measurable, achievable, relevant, and time-based) and a strategy to meet them. This is a great way to show progress and showcase your value to your employer.
Be open about your why, but make it about them.
It is important to be honest about your desire to work remotely, as this fosters trust while building on the great working relationship you already have. However, it is important to tie in your why as to how it brings value to your boss and organization.
Start small.
Your boss might have real concerns about your ability to successfully organize, monitor and manage your projects remotely. Pre-empt these concerns by pitching the idea of remote working as a trial run with no commitment to see how well you can get your job done. Suggest a short time period e.g. 1-2 days a week for a month, as well as a brief review afterwards.
But What if they say no?
When thinking of how to build your case for remote-working, remember that in spite of your preparation and even a trial period, your boss might still be hesitant or downright against this idea for any myriad of reasons.
That’s OK. Give him or her time and space to say no. If applicable, ask why. Consider that a good relationship is built on trust, likeability and mutual respect - this is the basis that your remote working should stand on. Perhaps this conversation can be revisited at a later time? Keep cool, continue showing your value and everything will work out - we promise!
Need more information on remote working solutions? Reach out to the team here at KOI to discuss tailoring a membership package that your boss won’t be able to turn down!
