How To Negotiate Working Remotely
If you’re considering working remotely, there are a few things you should keep in mind when negotiating with your employer. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to negotiate for a remote work arrangement that works for both you and your employer.
Prove the benefits
If you would like to negotiate to work remotely, it is important to focus first on the benefits it could bring you and your employer. You can then approach your employer about remote work for your position. It is also helpful to be open to compromise, such as coming into the office one or two days a week instead of full-time.
- Outline the Benefits
- Show the impact you can make.
- Be prepared to take a pay cut if you’re relocating.
- Use data to prove you can be successful.
Know your value to convince your boss to have you work remotely
Some benefits your boss may experience from you working from home include increased productivity, a better work/life balance for you, and reduced costs associated with commuting and office resources.
Some potential disadvantages for your boss include a loss of control over your work, difficulty communicating with you, and the potential for decreased productivity.
Know your value and provide your boss with enough evidence and assurance that you can be more productive than your current situation at the office.
Mentally prepare for a rejection or argument against your plan to work remotely. Consider why your employer might say no, such as cost, company culture, or lack of trust. Then, come up with counterarguments to each objection. For example, you could point out that working remotely would save the company money on office space rental or that you’re willing to compromise by coming into the office for certain meetings.
Prepare to make sacrifices from you working from home
If you’re considering working from home, be prepared to make some sacrifices. You may have to give up your office space and lunch, or you may have to work irregular hours. You may also find you’re less productive at home than in the office.
According to a recent study, many workers are willing to take a pay cut to work remotely full-time. This flexibility may help persuade an on-the-fence employer that you are willing to assume some of the risks. Keep in mind, though, that working from home may have other costs, such as increased internet and phone bills.
Just because you want to enjoy the work-from-home life does not mean it does not come at a cost.
Be flexible
Be flexible when negotiating a work-from-home arrangement. The more flexibility you suggest, the better your chances of getting a work-from-home agreement. Also, think through the permutations like you’d think through other negotiations. What if they want you there for two days every week? What if they only want you there for half a day?
Ask open-ended questions like, ‘What is your policy on remote work?’ and ‘How do you view hybrid work?’ to get a sense of their view on telecommuting before you broach the topic.”
Talk with your manager to determine the best way to ask questions about your work and receive feedback. For employers, it’s important to understand how working remotely will impact their employees, what challenges may arise, and how you can overcome them.
Another idea is to propose a trial period. That way, you can work remotely for a few months and then come together to assess how it’s going. You can always return to the traditional office setup if it’s not working out.
Have a backup plan
First, reflect on what you want to get out of working remotely permanently. Are you a more introverted person who enjoys having more time alone, or do you find that working from home makes you feel isolated and lonely? Be honest about what working remotely would mean for your day-to-day life and well-being.
Once you have a good understanding of your motivations and goals, it’s time to start thinking about how to present this to your employer in a way that is also beneficial for them. Focus on the benefits of remote work for the company, such as increased productivity, lower overhead costs, and improved morale. You may also suggest a trial period to test the arrangement and see how it goes.
Be patient and flexible with your manager throughout the negotiation process. For example, if you ask to work from home full-time and they aren’t ready to commit.
Knowing yourself can help you in the long run. Just because your employer is not ready to commit does not mean it’s the end of the conversation. In some cases, you might look for a remote job and decide to give up on your current employer. Always have a backup plan.
Be prepared to negotiate.
When you’re ready to negotiate a permanent work-from-home arrangement, ask for a formal meeting where you can raise the subject, offer your pitch, and then present your desired flexibility terms as a topic for negotiation.
In any negotiation, it is important to go into the conversation confident, prepared, and with all your priorities laid out. Only you can determine what’s best for you, but be ready and firm from the start.
Explain how working remotely benefits both you and the company. Build trust in the trial period with prompt communication, flexibility, and a focus on benefits to the employer. Take notes (and use them to your advantage) during the meeting to remind yourself of what was discussed and what needs to happen next.