For many people landing a flexible job is really more about negotiating one. It often happens once someone has established and proven themselves in a job or during the hiring process when employers may be willing to do anything to get you to take a job.
Although I created my own flexible working arrangement by quitting my job and starting my own company, that is not what I want to focus on today. I want to talk about how to insert flexibility into your existing job.
It seems like I am stating the obvious, but you need to make sure that working from home is for you and that you will truly be more productive and effective from home. If your kids and the nanny are home and you won’t have a dedicated working space, or you don’t have the best internet connection, don’t bother it will fail and create more stress rather than the blissful lifestyle you are hoping for.
First off, you need to be prepared to make a formal pitch, negotiate and counter lots of negativity. Do this right, do your research, internally (any other individuals or departments doing this?) and externally (what companies do this, what are some of the known benefits). What ever you do, don’t make an emotional pitch, and follow these guidelines:
1. You need to create a business case for working from home and this means documenting the benefits to the organization (this is not about you!).
2. Outline how you will complete your different functions remotely (or if it is a blend, what will you do in the office vs. what you will do at home), the more of your duties and responsibilities you can map out the better.
3. Treat this like a job interview, sell all your best qualities and how you are not only suited to this arrangement, but how it will enhance your strengths and contributions.
4. Be prepared to work twice as hard to make it work and this means making sure your are easily accessible via phone and email and that you clearly document and circulate communications.
5. Suggest a way to measure the success of this new arrangement and then be prepared to regularly report on your progress.
6. Propose to test the arrangement - say for 1 - 3 months.
Want some help with that proposal? Check out Pat Katepoo’s site, Workoptions flex time tools and tactics. She has lots of resources and sells proposals for a great price helping you hand in a nice polished proposal, I think its worth the price. She also happens to be an awesome lady and she will get on the phone and chat with you if you have questions.
Need some Canadian stats and suggestions?
Globe and Mail, "Flexible work options: From recession cost cutter to talent magnet".
Do you have a flex work negotiation story to share?
|
