How to Score the Flex Schedule of Your Dreams

The 9-to-5 grind. Isn’t it just the most delightful thing you’ve ever experienced? The early morning rush, the traffic, the rigid schedule that leaves no room for life’s little surprises. It’s a dream come true, isn’t it? Well, wake up, dear reader, because we’re about to shatter that dream and replace it with something far more enticing: the flexible work schedule. No, this isn’t some utopian fantasy. It’s real, and it’s within your grasp. But how, you ask? 

The Employer-Centric Approach

First things first, let’s get one thing straight: negotiating a flexible work schedule isn’t about you. Shocking, right? But it’s true. It’s about your employer and how they can benefit from this arrangement. So, before you march into your boss’s office with your list of demands, take a moment to consider the advantages for your employer. With a little creativity, you can turn every advantage for you into an advantage for your employer. Now, that’s what we call a win-win situation.

Increasingly, workplaces are becoming more employee-friendly, with flexible work arrangements written into their policies. So, check your employee handbook and have a chat with the Human Resources staff. You might be pleasantly surprised.

How to Negotiate for Flexibility in Your Work Schedule

Knowledge is power, and in this case, it’s the power to negotiate a flexible work schedule. Ask around in your organization to see if other employees have flexible schedules. Find out what they did to negotiate the schedule and heed their tips. Remember, there’s no need to reinvent the wheel.

Organizations with flexible work schedule policies also have guidelines. These often include requirements for childcare arrangements, availability for communication, and attendance at meetings. So, make sure you’re well-informed and prepared.

Craft Your Plan

Don’t approach your boss about a flexible schedule without a plan. You have just one chance to negotiate if your company does not have a policy. Make it easy for the boss to say, ‘yes.’ Think about what you want to negotiate. What work schedule will provide the work-life balance you’d like to achieve? Can you work components of the job from home? If so, how many days would be ideal? Or, will a later start time allow you to drop the kids at daycare?

Take a serious look at your life and work habits. Some employees cannot work from home. The laundry is always calling, or the bills need to be paid. They find the company of coworkers stimulating and would miss office banter. Ask yourself if you can compartmentalize your life. Employees who do this well are the best candidates for telecommuting.

The Employer Benefit Angle

Once you’ve created your plan, think about how the flexible schedule will benefit your employer. Perhaps you will be able to work for the two hours you now spend commuting. Less stress will make you a better employee. Knowing that you can drop the children at daycare and pick them up will make you less concerned about their welfare.

Many employees find they get more work accomplished by starting early, staying late or telecommuting. Employees find they can accomplish more work when there are fewer interruptions. If telecommuting is your flexible work solution, negotiate around the fact that your employer won’t need to supply daily space or an office for you.

The Negotiation Process

When you are ready to negotiate, make your case. Offer to try the flexible schedule on a trial basis to reassure the boss, coworkers, and customers that the arrangement benefits all parties. Your written proposal should include the following: Assuming you have created a viable plan that benefits both you and your employer, set up a meeting with your supervisor to request a flexible schedule.

Keep in mind that your supervisor has the responsibility to carry out existing company policy and to ensure fairness and consistency across his or her department and other company departments. When you negotiate a flexible schedule, you are not the only consideration.

The Success Metrics

A flexible work schedule can work successfully for all parties. You need to negotiate your case, reassure your employer that you are working and contributing to his best interests, and find ways to measure and publicize the success of the arrangement.

You need to assure that communication with coworkers and customers is as successful as before the flexible work schedule. Measure your results. Communicate results. Keep in touch. Attend your weekly meetings.

The Responsibility

Work the core required business hours. Understand that the responsibility to succeed, when you negotiate and work a flexible schedule, lies squarely in your court. So, take the reins and steer your way to a more balanced and fulfilling work life.

You see? The path to negotiating a flexible work schedule is not as steep as it seems. It’s all about understanding the terrain, preparing for the journey, and making strategic moves.