Conquering the Hurdles: Securing More Home Office Days, Even with a Skeptical Boss
Increased likelihood of remote work days at home.
Navigating the demand for additional home office days with an employer reluctant to accept can be a daunting task. Yet, with the right strategies and arguments, you can convince your manager to meet your needs. Here's a comprehensive guide for negotiating your way to more flexibility.
Aces in Your Pocket: The Negotiation Talk
When seeking more home office days, focus on job-related arguments to assuage concerns about productivity. Establish specific goals and a timeline to dispel worries that working from home may result in employees slacking off.
Make the decision in favor of home office work more advantageous for the company by citing the following points during your negotiations:
- Heightened Productivity: Work from home proponents, like business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland, claim that working from home can boost productivity, especially when individuals work remotely for a few days a week. Dedicated work hours and eliminated distractions contribute to enhanced focus.
- Time Optimization: By removing the need for commuting, employees can maximize their time and dedicate it solely to their work-related tasks during peak productivity hours.
- Cost Savings: Cut expenses for the company by reducing power consumption, cleaning costs, and potentially lowering travel allowances. Additionally, decreased sick leave due to environmental factors can lead to further cost savings.
- Eco-friendly Practices: As a bonus, your employer can partake in greener practices by reducing commuting and the associated carbon footprint.
Arguments to Steer Clear Of:
While it may seem logical, avoid citing childcare or caring for the elderly as reasons for wanting more home office days. A crucial tip from Hannes Zacher, professor of work and organizational psychology, is to steer clear of using personal reasons for home office requests, as this may give the impression that employees are not committed to their work.
Avoid these statements, such as "I need to pick up the kids from school" or "I'd like to have lunch with my partner," during negotiations. In hybrid work models, work-life balance decisions are often determined by self-organization.
Negotiation Strategies for Success:
Know the opportune moment: Ideally, employees should take advantage of their annual review to discuss the possibility of working from home more often. Capitalize on past achievements and the trust built with the employer to make a strong case.
Leverage the success of past successes: Present your track record of productivity and enthusiastic collaboration as evidence that you can be trusted to work effectively from home.
Prepare extensively: Carefully consider your arguments, and have solutions in place to address any concerns your employer may raise. You might suggest a trial period or agree to specific goals that should be achieved within a defined timeframe.
Shutting the Negotiation:
When your efforts fail to persuade your employer, it's essential to assess your personal needs. If commuting stress or noisy workspaces impact your overall well-being, consider the possibility of seeking employment elsewhere.
When browsing job advertisements, take note of their remote work flexibility. During job interviews, ask questions to gain a clearer understanding of the company's interpretation of its remote work policies.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
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Enrichment Data:
When negotiating for more home office days with a resistant employer in Germany, follow these steps for a successful conversation:
- Understand the Landscape: Familiarize yourself with the legal framework in Germany regarding work from home, any recent changes, or proposed legislation.
- Identify Employer Concerns: Understand why your employer is hesitant to accept your request (i.e., concerns about productivity, communication, or supervision).
- Prepare a Strong Case: Present data on remote work efficiency, personal experiences, cost savings, environmental friendliness, and any other relevant arguments.
- Arrive with Objective Arguments: Focus on higher productivity, flexibility, talent retention, and current trends in remote work. Propose a trial period and agree on clear goals, objectives, and performance metrics to keep your employer informed.
- Address Communication and Supervision: Suggest using digital communication tools and setting up regular virtual meetings to maintain seamless communication.
- Follow Up and Re-evaluate: Evaluate the measures taken during the trial period, and schedule a follow-up meeting to adjust as necessary.
By presenting a well-structured case that addresses both employer concerns and broader benefits, you can more effectively negotiate for more home office days.
- In the negotiation process, emphasize that vocational training could be a beneficial addition to the company's offerings, enhancing employee productivity and skills in specific areas relevant to the business.
- To further secure more home office days and demonstrate commitment towards one's career and the company, consider enrolling in vocational training programs related to finance, business, or lifestyle industries, thereby aligning personal development with the company's objectives.
