Increase your number of remote workdays at home.

Grab More Home Office Days: A Non-BS Guide for Employees

Increased opportunity for remote workdays at home.

Looking to spend less time in the office and more time in your comfy chair at home? Here's how to pitch the idea to your boss like a boss.

Not all employers are down with the idea of employees working from home more often. And if you're one of those folks, you might be wondering how to finesse the conversation with your boss and get the extra home office days you crave. Here's a sneaky-smart guide for getting your boss on board.

Choosing Your Words Wisely

To convince your manager that working from home is the way to go, focus on the tasks and job-related aspects that support your case. Forget about proving you're a yoga master or master chef, and aim to dispel any concerns that they may have about your productivity while working from home.

The key is to propose specific goals that you'll achieve within a set time frame. This not only demonstrates your commitment to success but also helps alleviate any concerns about diminished productivity.

Focusing on the Positives

As you chat with your boss, be sure to highlight the potential benefits for the company. After all, you're not asking for their permission to relax in your PJs—you're asking to help make the company more productive, efficient, and environmentally friendly.

Increased Productivity: By working from home, you're much more likely to be more productive. In fact, various studies show that productivity can skyrocket when employees work from home a few days a week. With a customizable workday, you're bound to be more focused on the tasks at hand.[1]

Less Commuting: The time you'd normally spend commuting between home and the office can be utilized more effectively for the company, especially during peak periods.

Cost Savings: Companies can save on utilities, cleaning, and travel costs with employees working from home. Plus, sick leave rates might decrease since the risk of infection among colleagues decreases.

Improved Environmental Impact: The commute is eliminated, so the company's carbon footprint decreases.

Better Work-Life Balance: Home office often leads to a better work-life balance. But remember to keep this point brief and focus on objective arguments.

A Word of Warning

Avoid presenting personal reasons, like needing to pick up kids from school or spend time with your partner, as your primary arguments for home office as your employer might suspect that you'll be using the time for other activities. Instead, focus on the benefits for the company and your commitment to reaching specific goals.

Negotiating Smartly

The best time to bring up the topic of working from home is during your annual review. Rather than dropping the bombshell randomly, you can gently mention how the current one-day-a-week home office setup has been beneficial and request a trial run of two remote days per week.

In an existing employment relationship, use your past successes and the trust you've built with your employer as leverage. Employers are more likely to be accommodating when they see the value you bring to the table.[1]

When Enough is Enough

What if your employer refuses to budge, despite your well-reasoned arguments? If commuting is causing undue stress or the noise level at the office is compromising your health, it might be time to start looking for a new gig that better fits your needs.

When searching for a new job, focus on positions with flexible work arrangements. During job interviews, don't hesitate to ask questions about the company's interpretation of flexibility to ensure it aligns with what you need.

Footnotes:

[1] ntv.de/awi/dpa

Employees
Legal questions
Apartment
Employer
Home office

[Enrichment Data]

Strategic Home Office Negotiation:

Research and Preparation: Familiarize yourself with your company's remote work policies and successful remote teams to support your case.[3][4]
Focus on Employer Benefits: Emphasize how working from home can boost productivity, cut down on commuting costs, and improve work-life balance, which leads to better job satisfaction and retention.[4]
Flexible Schedule Proposal: Instead of demanding full-time remote work, propose a flexible schedule that includes specific days or hours for working from home.[4]
Yes, and Technique: Validate your employer's concerns and pivot to your value proposition. For example: "I understand your worries about team collaboration, but with regular virtual meetings and updates, we can maintain seamless communication while I work from home."[3]
Offer Solutions: If your employer is hesitant about the potential impact on team dynamics, suggest solutions like regular check-ins or virtual team-building activities.[3]

Cautions:

Avoiding Personal Focus: Don't emphasize personal benefits without demonstrating how the home office setup benefits the employer.[4]
Avoiding Threats: Never threaten to leave if your request isn't granted. This creates negative tension and damages your negotiating position.[3]
Being Flexible: Be open to compromise and finding a middle ground that works for both parties.[3]

By focusing on mutual benefits and showing a willingness to adapt, you improve the chances of a successful negotiation for more home office days.

The science of productivity suggeststhat employees who undergo vocational training for improved workplace-wellness and health-and-wellness practices may demonstrate heightened focus and productivity when working from home.
To emphasize the advantages of home office days, demonstrate how the reduction in commuting time can lead to a more balanced lifestyle, enabling employees to invest energy in home-and-garden activities, resulting in a well-rounded, enthusiastic workforce.
Engaging in lifelong learning through vocational training can help employees adapt to current and future job requirements while fostering a sense of community within the organization, thus upholding corporate policies that promote growth and innovation.