What do you do if you want to negotiate a flexible work schedule in IT Consulting?

1 Assess your situation

Before you start the negotiation, it is essential to evaluate your current situation and your goals. Consider what kind of flexibility you want and why. Think about how this flexibility aligns with your career aspirations, skills, and performance. Furthermore, consider how your flexibility will impact your team, project, and client. Additionally, be aware of the potential risks and trade-offs of your flexibility. Will you lose any benefits, opportunities, or income? Will you face any challenges, conflicts, or biases? Asking yourself these questions can help you prepare for the negotiation.

2 Do your research

In order to make a strong case for flexible work schedules, it is important to gather information. First, investigate the policies and practices of your employer or client; are they open to different arrangements, or do they have strict rules and norms? Additionally, research the trends and benchmarks in your industry and niche; how common and acceptable is flexibility in IT consulting? Finally, explore the best practices and tools for working flexibly in IT consulting to ensure that productivity, quality, and communication are optimized.

3 Prepare your proposal

When crafting a proposal for desired flexibility, it's important to be specific and realistic. Outline the details and parameters of your flexibility, such as when, where, and how you will work, and how you will measure and report your progress and results. It's also important to be flexible and negotiable, anticipating the possible objections and concerns of your employer or client, while offering alternatives, compromises, and solutions. Lastly, highlight the advantages and opportunities of your flexibility, such as improved efficiency, creativity, and satisfaction. Show your employer or client that you are committed to delivering value and that you are trustworthy.

4 Conduct the negotiation

When you are ready to present your proposal, it is important to choose the right time, place, and tone for the negotiation. To start, schedule a meeting in advance and inform your employer or client of the topic and purpose. Select a convenient and comfortable setting, such as in person, online, or over the phone. Begin the conversation with appreciation and gratitude, expressing your interest and enthusiasm for your work and relationship. Explain your reasons and motivations for seeking flexibility, while acknowledging any challenges or limitations of your current situation. Present your proposal clearly and confidently with evidence and examples to demonstrate how your flexibility will benefit both you and your employer or client. Listen actively to their feedback and response, avoiding defensive or aggressive behavior while striving to find common ground. Negotiate the terms and conditions of your flexibility, being willing to make adjustments or concessions in order to reach a win-win agreement that meets both parties' expectations and goals.

5 Follow up and review

After you have reached an agreement, you need to follow up and review your flexible work schedule regularly. To ensure success, confirm and document the agreement in writing, communicate it to the relevant parties, and implement and monitor your flexible work schedule. Track your performance, output, and feedback using the agreed tools and methods. Periodically evaluate and review your arrangement, identify its strengths and weaknesses, celebrate successes, and address challenges. Be open to feedback and change, adjust and improve your flexible work schedule as needed, maintain a positive relationship with your employer or client, and show appreciation for their value.