We see it in the news and on LinkedIn every week: another company is demanding their employees come back to the office, even ones who were hired for explicitly hybrid or even remote roles. Maybe it’s already happened to you. Companies have even tied attendance to performance metrics, affecting compensation or bonuses. If I had to spend £3000 every year commuting to make £1000 back in lost performance, I would probably also be looking for a new job.
Making your Case for Flexibility
If you’re looking to negotiate a flexible work arrangement, here’s how to make your case and leverage key technologies to support your goals.
Flexibility has become a non-negotiable for many employees, especially younger workers. According to a report from Gallup, 59% of employees say remote or hybrid work is their preferred mode of operation due to advantages like increased focus, reduced commute times, and improved work-life balance. For employers, remote and hybrid models can increase productivity and help attract top talent. Studies show you still don’t see a drop in productivity, so don’t let it be used as a reason to keep you in the office if it’s presented as one.
When negotiating flexible arrangements, preparation is key. Use these tips to build a strong case:
1. Understand Your Company’s Policies
Start by reviewing your organization’s policies on hybrid and remote work. Many companies provide guidelines, such as specific days for in-office attendance or requirements for certain roles. Familiarize yourself with these details.
2. Showcase Results, Not Hours
Frame your request around how flexibility allows you to achieve better results. Provide tangible examples of how you’ve met or exceeded expectations while working from home or in a hybrid setup. Focus on metrics like completed projects, increased efficiency, or improved customer satisfaction.
3. Tailor Your Proposal to the Business
Position your request in a way that aligns with your company’s goals. For instance, if the organization prioritizes collaboration, suggest a hybrid schedule that maximizes team interaction while retaining flexibility.
4. Address Concerns with Solutions
Employers may worry about accountability and communication. Proactively address these concerns by highlighting tools and strategies you’ll use to stay connected, such as regular check-ins or progress reports.
Harness Digital Tools for an Edge
Technology is a hybrid worker’s greatest ally. Equip yourself with these productivity tools to demonstrate that working flexibly doesn’t mean working less effectively:
Collaboration Platforms
Tools like Microsoft Teams, Slack, and Zoom give seamless communication and collaboration, even when team members are in different locations. Use them effectively to stay on top of team dynamics and maintain engagement.
Productivity Trackers
Platforms such as Trello, Asana, and Monday.com help you organize tasks, set timelines, and track progress. They also give leaders visibility into your work without the need for micromanagement.
Virtual Office Tools
To maintain rapport with colleagues, virtual office spaces like Gather or SpatialChat offer ways to foster informal interactions and replicate in-office experiences.
Analytics for Insights
Some organizations use digital experience management (DEX) tools like Nexthink to assess productivity, optimize workflows, and support hybrid teams. Familiarity with such tools can showcase your forward-thinking approach.
Secure Remote Access
Invest in VPNs and remote desktop software to ensure data security while working outside the office, addressing potential IT concerns employers might have.
Flexibility Is a Win-Win
At its core, negotiating flexible work is about balancing employee well-being with business objectives. By showing preparedness, leveraging technology, and aligning your request with company goals, you can present flexibility as a mutual benefit rather than a concession.
Take ownership of the conversation. Highlight your contributions, propose a well-structured plan, and stay committed to proving the value of hybrid work even after your request is granted.