The pandemic allowed more workers than ever to experience the benefits ofworking from home.
Some didnt want to go back, leading to a need to negotiate working from home.
Most are OK with a hybrid working arrangement.
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Why Should You Negotiate Working from Home?
While there are many benefits, remote workers report having trouble connecting with coworkers.
It can also mean fewer mentorship opportunities for younger workers.
Still, there are plenty of reasons to work from home one or more days a week.
Youllsave time and money on commutingand avoid typical office distractions.
There are distractions at home, too, which is why some people feel more productive in an office.
Or, get your current employer to let you work from the couch sometimes.
Here are some expert tips on convincing your boss to allow remote work.
Research Potential Employers
The best time to negotiate work-from-home days is before you have the job.
Some of her clients have successfully negotiated working from home when a job was labeled as on-site.
Still, its important to research a companys potential for remote work.
Dupras suggests searching a potential employers website for a remote policy.
Browse the companys social media, blogs and articles for signs of a stance on work/life balance.
Has your employer taken a stance on remote work?
How does your boss feel about work-from-home days?
Find out if others have negotiated work-from-home days and been successful.
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Prepare Your Case
The key to success with any employer negotiation is to make a business case.
If youre dealing with a return-to-office mandate, your own productivity data can help.
Remind them of the excellent work you did in a timely manner when you were a remote worker.
Be Willing to Compromise
Working from home doesnt have to be an all-or-nothing proposition.
Propose a trial period so the employer can see the effectiveness of the new arrangement.
Showing youre an irreplaceable asset gives you a better chance to work from home for current and potential jobs.
Thats not so easy with a job you rely on to pay the bills.
The best thing aboutwork-from-home positionsis they are often open to a wide geographic pool of candidates.
If you launch a job search, confirm you arent limiting your options to local businesses.
Working from home bringsplenty of benefits, but not all employers allow it.
Negotiate working from home just like how you negotiate salary and benefits.
Sources:
Stephanie Faris is a professional finance writer with more than a decade of experience.
