How can you negotiate a flexible work schedule with your manager?

1 Assess your situation

Before you approach your manager with your request, you need to assess your situation and understand the pros and cons of a flexible work schedule. Consider your role, responsibilities, goals, and expectations. How does your work affect your team, your clients, and your organization? How will a flexible work schedule impact your results, communication, and collaboration? What are the potential challenges, risks, or drawbacks? Be honest and realistic about your needs, preferences, and limitations.

2 Do your research

Next, you need to do your research and gather evidence to support your case. Find out if your company has a policy or a precedent for flexible work arrangements. Look for examples of best practices, success stories, or testimonials from other employees or organizations that have implemented flexible work schedules. Identify the benefits and value of a flexible work schedule for your manager, your team, and your company. How will it improve your productivity, creativity, engagement, or satisfaction? How will it save costs, time, or resources? How will it align with the company's vision, mission, or values?

4 Listen and respond

After you have presented your proposal, you need to listen and respond to your manager's reaction and feedback. Be respectful and empathetic to your manager's perspective and concerns. Acknowledge and validate their points and opinions. Avoid being defensive or argumentative. Ask open-ended questions to understand their needs, expectations, and preferences. Clarify any misunderstandings or misconceptions. Seek feedback and suggestions on how to improve or modify your proposal. Demonstrate your commitment and trustworthiness.

5 Follow up and review

Finally, you need to follow up and review your flexible work schedule with your manager on a regular basis. Thank them for their approval and support. Confirm and document the details and terms of your agreement. Set clear and measurable goals and indicators to track your progress and performance. Communicate frequently and effectively with your manager and your team. Update them on your achievements, challenges, and learnings. Solicit and provide feedback and input. Celebrate and share your successes. Review and adjust your flexible work schedule as needed.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?