How to ask your employer for permanent remote work

Is the daily hustle and bustle of going through traffic to work no longer appealing? Perhaps your current work environment affects your mental health, and you need a change.

If that's you, you're probably considering remote work but don't know how to ask your boss to work remotely permanently.

It might surprise you that asking for permanent work-from-home jobs may be simpler than you think. Many employers are considering adopting a hybrid or fully remote work culture because it offers a wider talent pool and a higher probability of retaining employees.

Employing remote staff is cheaper, and since employers are always looking to reduce costs, you can get the go-ahead. Learn how to ask for remote work and get a swift, positive response from your employer through this guide.

A step-by-step guide on how to ask to work from home

Follow these steps to confidently ask to work from home.

1. Before asking, consider why you want to work from home

While the top reasons workers want to work remotely include the flexibility to spend their time how they want, the possibility to live anywhere, and the opportunity to choose their work location, these aren’t convincing reasons for your employer.

You must consider how working remotely can benefit the company and your team. For example, perhaps you perform most of your tasks online and independently, meaning you can work more productively at home in your own space.

2. Research the company’s policy

If your company has a work-from-home policy, review it and see if there are specific steps you need to take to request working from home.

Look for important details such as:

• Eligibility criteria

• Acceptable reasons to work from home

• Required approvals

• Conditions

This information will help you understand the company’s stance on remote work and prepare for a successful proposal.

3. Prepare a proposal

Once you know the requirements, you can create a proposal highlighting how working from home will benefit you and your employer, such as increased productivity, less time commuting, and lower company costs.

Address any potential concerns and prepare solutions to overcome these objections. For example, mention how you'll maintain communication and continue to provide high-quality work even if you aren't always in the office.

4. Ask in person or over email

You can request to work from home in person or via email. Regardless of the method you choose, ensure you communicate effectively.

• Be professional: Use formal language and maintain a professional tone.

• Be concise: Get straight to the point and organize all your points beforehand so your manager can easily understand your reasoning.

• Be confident: Present your request with confidence to show that you've thought this through and know you have what it takes to make this arrangement work.

5. Propose a practice run

Request a practice run first.

That way, your employer can assess your performance. This gives them time to decide if allowing you to work remotely permanently is a good idea.

If granted, ensure you make the best use of this opportunity. They will likely allow you to work remotely if you excel during the trial period. Your success can potentially open doors of opportunity for your colleagues who also want to work remotely.

Remember to document what you accomplish during the practice run to demonstrate its effectiveness.

Tips for asking your employer for full-time remote work in person

Asking your employer to work from home in person is a great idea. Here’s what you can do to have a productive conversation and, hopefully, make a strong case for working from home.

Initiate conversations about why you want remote work

Your employers are only human and can't read minds. If you want something, you have to talk about it. Ask your superior for a meeting when they are less busy.

When you finally get their attention, this is a good time to initiate the conversation and let them know you would be more productive working remotely. Be patient and listen to your employer during this talk.

Specify the difference between remote work situations and in-office workers

When you initiate a conversation with your employer, prove that you understand the implications of your request.

After stating your intentions, give them a breakdown of the differences between an in-office and remote work arrangement. This makes the employer understand that you have researched the subject.

Use examples of the COVID-19 pandemic era to support your case

To learn how to ask for remote workdays, research facts to prove that remote hiring works. There's no better example than the COVID-19 pandemic era. During this period, most employees could only work from home and were productive regardless.

In one study, 64% claimed that working remotely helped them establish a work-life balance post-pandemic. So, use examples from studies to show what makes remote work successful.

Mention that your productivity will not be affected

Most employers will allow staff to work remotely if they are sure the workers will remain productive. Convince your employer that working remotely won't reduce your productivity.

You can assure them that working from home will likely improve your productivity. For example, being around your kids may bring out the best in you. Share reasons why working from home will make you more productive.

Submit your request in an in-person meeting

When making official requests of this magnitude, meeting with your employer in person rather than sending emails is advisable.

This helps you explain why you need to work remotely more efficiently, and showing up in person also demonstrates that you are serious about your requests.

Although your reasons should be in a formal document, an in-person meeting can help you appeal to the employer's emotions.

Explain your remote work plan and the tools you’ll be using

You may need to convince your employer that you can handle the demands of working remotely. Mention your remote schedule and explain how you would plan your typical workday.

You may also list the tools you’ll be using for work. This will show that you already have most of the tools ready and have prepared a conducive workspace.

Time your remote work request well

Before you meet with your superiors, make sure the timing is right. Even if you have good intentions, bad timing could ruin your hopes.

Study the employer's mood and know the company's current situation. If your employer is having a good month or the company is making huge sales, it’s a good time to make requests. When your employer is in a positive mood, your chances of getting a favorable response increase.

Tips for asking your employer for full-time remote work over email

If you dread asking your employer to work from home in person, you can also email them. While asking in person is recommended, if you approach your email request the right way, it can also be effective.

Similar to asking your boss in person, you should wait for the perfect time. Consider what’s happening within the company and your employer’s mood.

Also, provide your boss with evidence of how working from home could benefit the company and use examples to illustrate your point.

Email template to ask to work from home

Dear [Manager’s Name],

I hope this email finds you well. I'm writing to discuss possibly transitioning to a remote work arrangement. I believe that working from home will significantly enhance my productivity and allow me to maintain a better work-life balance.

This will benefit the company in several ways, including:

• [Benefit one]

• [Benefit two]

• [Benefit three]

I’ve done significant research and found that [insert statistics related to the benefits of working from home].

Here’s how I plan on making this arrangement work:

• Communication: [Explain your plan]

• Collaboration: [Explain your plan]

• Accountability: [Explain your plan]

To ensure this arrangement works effectively for both of us, I propose a three-month trial period, allowing us to assess my performance and make any necessary adjustments.

I'm confident this trial period will demonstrate the benefits of remote work and prove its effectiveness in the long term.

I’m open to discussing this proposal further and addressing any questions or concerns you may have. Thank you for considering my request.

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Best regards,

[Your name]

Do’s and don’ts of asking to work remotely over email

Here are some things you should do:

• Outline your plan: Get to the point quickly and outline your plan clearly so your boss knows exactly what you’re asking for and how you plan to make the arrangement work.

• Follow-up: It's important to be patient and give your employer time to consider the proposal. A good rule of thumb is to wait about one week for a response before following up. In the follow-up email, restate your proposal briefly and offer to provide more information.

• Be flexible: Be willing to negotiate so your boss knows you’re open to discussing other arrangements.

Here are some things you shouldn’t do:

• Don’t be demanding: Don’t give your boss an ultimatum or make your request sound like a demand. Be respectful and understanding of your company’s point of view.

• Don’t be vague: Being unclear and vague will only confuse your boss and increase their chances of denying your request. Instead, provide specifics, including your plan, proposed schedule, expectations, and goals.

• Don't focus solely on personal benefits: While mentioning personal benefits is important, mainly focus on how working from home benefits the team and company. Use language that emphasizes mutual benefits rather than personal gains.

How to prepare yourself for work from home

After your boss approves your request to work from home, take some time to prepare properly.

Working remotely can be rewarding or overwhelming, depending on your approach. These tips will help you prepare for a remote work lifestyle:

Prepare to work harder

A productive remote-working experience begins with having the right mindset. More people are starting to prefer remote work, which means more job competition.

There are also many freelancers with higher qualifications and more experience vying for the same role. Prepare to work harder than the average person to land a remote job or retain your remote position.

Working remotely is similar to starting a business. You have the freedom to set your working hours. However, like new business owners, you juggle multiple balls to steady the ship.

Often, remote workers provide their working tools, earn per project, and have strict deadlines. You need to work harder than usual to earn more, deliver high-quality services, and have time for your personal needs.

Learn some discipline

Distraction comes in various forms, and it takes discipline to overcome it. Having a successful remote career takes discipline. Discipline yourself to wake up early. Train yourself to sleep, eat, communicate, and end the day's work when you should.

Discipline helps you focus better, avoid procrastination, think rationally, and improve your skills. Set up a dedicated workspace. Although you can work virtually anywhere, having a workspace is the better option.

Be less available

Perhaps the biggest obstacle to productivity while working remotely is distractions. You can avoid this by being less available to friends, family, and the internet. Make sure people can only reach you when you finish the day's work or are on a break.

When preparing for work-from-home jobs, you must change your gadgets' configurations. You can set your phone to silent mode so you’re unaware of incoming calls.

You may keep your phone out of reach to discourage yourself from reaching for it. Stay away from social media during your set work hours.

Application "freezers" can help avoid distractions. These are mobile applications that enable you to hide applications on your phone. By "freezing" your social media apps, you won't see messages or hear your phone beep when you receive notifications.

Explain your new working conditions to friends and family

Many remote employees work long hours. However, there's a misconception that remote employees work just a few hours on their beds. Thus, you may struggle for privacy and etiquette, especially if you don't live alone. This is a common problem in the early stages of remote work.

You may need to address your close friends and family members, explaining the gravity of your work. Let them know your working hours. You may also ask them to maintain silence when you work. With this information, they know when not to call or seek your company unless there is an emergency.

Plan your schedule

One of the keys to being your most productive self while working remotely is planning. Proper planning helps you avoid distractions and gives you a sense of direction. The previous night is the best time to plan for the next day's work. Ensure you plan for the next day before it starts. Plan the next day's tasks in order of importance or closeness to deadlines.

You may also prepare your workspace beforehand. If you can, clean your house and make sure your food, vitamins, and clothes are ready. This enables you to go straight to work once you wake up and complete your brief morning exercise.

Take short breaks

Some may find remote work more enjoyable than they thought. This may result in working overly long hours.

Learn to take breaks. You may take a 30-minute break every four hours to nourish yourself. Your brain needs oxygen and proper hydration to function at its peak. Good nutrition and hydration help the body and move oxygen to the brain.

Besides taking a lunch break, you may also choose to sleep for a few minutes. It relaxes your brain and refreshes you.

Finally, take short walks. Walking helps you stretch your limbs and exercise your muscles. Stretching and moving your joints also help improve blood flow throughout your body.

Learn to communicate better

Working remotely can be surprisingly challenging. You report daily tasks to your superiors or clients in a remote setting. You also wait to receive feedback from them concerning your projects. They usually allow a timeframe during which they expect you to complete tasks.

There may be days you cannot complete tasks before the deadline due to personal reasons, some beyond your control. It’s advisable to communicate this as soon as possible.

You may also encounter certain challenges while working on complex assignments. Learn to communicate these issues on time. It makes you appear professional and accountable and shows that you're willing to work expertly.

The future of working from home

Many companies have already adopted remote and hybrid work, with 28% of worldwide employees working from home in 2023. As the number of remote workers grows yearly, this work mode will become the new normal.

This is great news for employers, as they're no longer restricted to local talent but have the opportunity to hire from a wider talent pool of global workers with diverse skill sets, backgrounds, and strengths.

There's no time like the present to go remote

If you're still unsure about working remotely, there's never been a better time to start. Since many organizations are going remote, your employer is probably considering it, too. All you need to do is ask them for permanent remote work.

Companies no longer need to worry about figuring out every step before hiring and managing workers remotely.

Partnering with a global hiring platform like Remote makes hiring people remotely easy for small businesses.

We can also help you hire, disburse payments to your staff, and ensure that you operate legally. Choose Remote and join the countless successful modern businesses that are going fully remote.

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