Navigating the Resistance: Securing More Remote Work Days from Your Employer
Opt for additional work-from-home days
Want to leave that 9-to-5 office rat race behind? Here are some strategies to convince your boss.
Trapped in an office cubicle for five days a week, eight hours a day? Many employees find this traditional work setup unappealing. Unfortunately, not all companies are eager to accommodate their employees' desires for more remote work days or flexible hours. Some employers even prefer their employees to be physically present more often.
In Germany, there's no universal legal claim to remote work. It all depends on what the employer and employee agree upon. So, how can employees effectively negotiate? Which arguments can sway the boss, and which ones might backfire? Let's dive in.
Strategies for the Negotiation Talk
If you're eyeing a few extra days of remote work, focus on the task- or job-related aspects. Address your employer's concerns, such as fears that you'll work fewer hours when remote. Helpful points might include agreements on certain targets that you must meet within a set timeframe.
When making your case, emphasize the benefits for the company. Here's a cheat sheet to help you with your negotiation:
Increased Productivity: Business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland notes that remote employees show significantly higher productivity levels. Various studies demonstrate that productivity often boosts when working remotely, especially for those only active in their home office a few days a week. The ability to structure the workday more flexibly often results in more focused work.
Less Commuting: Instead of wasting time on public transportation or stuck in traffic, time spent in a home office can be better utilized for the company. This is especially true during peak periods.
Lower Costs: Companies save on utilities, cleaning, and possibly commuting allowances through remote work arrangements. Additionally, the sick leave rate within the company may drop due to a reduced risk of infection among colleagues.
Reduced Environmental Impact: By eliminating the daily commute, a company's carbon footprint improves.
Improved Work-Life Balance: Remote work often allows for a better balance between personal and professional life. However, according to Hannes Zacher, professor of work and organizational psychology at Leipzig University, it's best to limit discussions about work-life balance, as it's better to present objective arguments instead.
Arguments That Can Backfire
It seems logical: Those with young children or responsibilities caring for aging relatives would benefit from regular remote work days. However, it's essential to use caution when raising these arguments with the boss. "Avoid mentioning childcare or caring for elderly relatives as reasons for remote work," advises Hannes Zacher. Employers might suspect that you're using remote work for personal activities instead of being productive.
Even arguments like "I have to pick up the children from school" or "I want to have lunch with my partner" are unlikely to sway the boss. In hybrid work models, companies view work-life balance as a matter of self-organization.
Navigating the Negotiations Strategically
** When's the Perfect Moment to Bring it Up?** "Ideally, employees should broach the topic during their annual review," says Zacher. They can point out that the previous remote work setup, for example, one day a week, has worked well and now wish to increase their remote work days.
In an established employment relationship, employees can also leverage their past successes and the trust they've built with their employer as a starting point for their argument. "Employers are often more amenable to accommodating requests when they know the employee and are satisfied with their work and cooperation," says Gietzen-Wieland.
** Preparation is Key** Make sure to prepare thoroughly for the conversation and have answers ready if the employer has concerns. Consider proposing a trial period, and it can be helpful to agree on certain goals that should be achieved within a specified timeframe.
When to Call it Quits
Learn More Remote Work: Employers Don't See a Drop in Productivity Monitoring in the Remote Workplace: Trust versus Control What if the employer remains rigid despite well-considered arguments? In this case, it depends on your personal needs. If commuting is causing immense stress or the noise level in the office is making you ill, Hannes Zacher suggests considering a job change.
Click here for job opportunities with suitable remote work conditions. When searching for a job with suitable conditions, pay attention to the corresponding indications in the job ads. During the job interview, job seekers should then ask questions about the specific interpretation of flexibility offers, advises Gietzen-Wieland.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Employees
- Legal issues
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- Employers
- Home office
- Understand the Employer's Perspective: Be aware that employers prefer a balanced approach to home and office work, as both environments have their benefits.
- Tailor Your Argument: Address the specific needs and concerns of your employer, whether it's productivity, cost savings, or environmental impact.
- Use Data: Support your points with relevant studies or statistics that demonstrate the benefits of remote work.
- Establish Clear Expectations: Set clear goals and objectives to show that you're committed to maintaining or increasing your productivity while working from home.
- Be Flexible: Collaborate with your employer to find a flexible home office schedule that works best for both parties.
Tips for a Successful Negotiation
- The discussion of increasing remote work days can be more effective if employees emphasize the business advantages, such as increased productivity, reduced commuting costs, and environmental impact, as well as flexibility that may lead to greater focus and a lower rate of sick leave.
- When negotiating for more remote work days, it is important to avoid raising personal reasons like childcare or caring for aging relatives, as this might be perceived as using remote work for personal activities. Instead, focus on task-related aspects, setting clear goals, and addressing the employer's concerns with data and examples of your past successes.
