Posted by The changing scenes in the work industry, the generation shift of millennials and gen Z in the workforce brings in new practices into the workplace. Flexible work hours is one of the most desired perks among the young employees in the work industry. To draw in and retain workers, employers would need to be open to the concept of practical job schedules. The negotiation process has to benefit both parties. By building up a proper understanding and strategic discussion, you can strike an agreement with your boss.
Step 1: Research and review your contract or your employee handbook
If you are looking for a flexible work schedule, always look back at your handbook or your contract to determine if its possible to make such arrangements. If you have colleagues that have successfully negotiated for similar terms. You can seek their advices on how to they managed to come into agreement with their manager. There may be a formal procedure to go through and it’s in your best interest to follow suit. This is to ensure a smooth transition in your working hours.
Step 2: Come up with a plan
First of all your plan must ensure that your hiring manager knows the exact reason why you seek to change your work schedule and ensuring that it is fair for both parties. Come up with a list of preferred options starting with the most ideal arrangement. The key here is to show to your boss that you have established a plan in place how your schedule will run and it will be easier for him/her to visualise from your point of view.
The most relevant reasons for choosing flexible working are:
- transport/ distance to work
- physical or mental disability
- health concerns
- taking care of dependents, elderly, disabled or otherwise
- pursue further education or training
- childcare
Related: What’s the Deal With Working From Home?
Step 3: Come up with a beneficial standpoint for your employer
Lay out the benefits that the company will gain from you if you attain a flexible work schedule. To lay out the results, you have to prove them and that can be demonstrated by proposing a trial period for you to show that despite not working in a 9-5 work routine, you can still yield equal or better result. Sharing examples of top companies that adapt to the culture of flexible work can still thrive is a positive sight that it’s possible for them to adopt too.
Step 4: Arrange an appointment with your boss
Reach out to your boss like how you would plan out a company meeting to propose your alternative work plan. This will give your employer some time to think and prepare for the discussion. Depending on the nature of your profession, you will need to ensure that you are still bringing value that will benefit the organisation if even if your working schedule has been changed to be flexible. You should consider that your most preferred option may not fly, so you may have to consider the possibility that you may have to settle on your employer terms. Besides this is how flexibility should be when it comes to negotiation works and getting as many good outcomes from it.