How To Pursue Your Company To Work Remote

The COVID-19 pandemic has got more and more people working remotely. But what if your company is yet, or isn’t willing, to adopt flexible working? Maybe the bosses are worried that flexible working might lower employee productivity and satisfaction. Maybe they aren’t convinced that remote working can lower the company’s running costs. Either way, how do you pursue them to allow you to work from home? How can you argue your case successfully? Here are 5 factors that will increase your chances of being heard:

1. Focus on being a good employee

Before you ask for more flexibility in your work schedule, first establish yourself as a reliable, hardworking, and self-driven employee. The bosses are more likely to cut you some slack if they see you as self-sufficient as opposed to when they don’t trust you with anything in the office. So, if you have been disappointing your supervisors of late, if your work performance is below par, or if your relationship with colleagues and other stakeholders has been pathetic, maybe you should first focus on mending the fences before you put forth the idea.

2. Research the benefits of remote working from your employer’s perspective

Approach the matter from the employer’s perspective: In which ways will the company benefit from allowing you to work remotely? Conduct thorough research in regards to how competing firms have benefited from flexible working, especially in cutting down costs and improving customer experience. Tell them how you will serve the customers better if allowed to work remotely; maybe tell them you will be available to respond to customers’ questions on social media past your normal working hours.

Benefits to the company aside, you should also explain to your seniors the personal gains you are likely to derive from flexible working. Research about how remote working makes employees happier, more satisfied with their jobs, less distracted, and more productive. Mention how you would achieve better work-life balance when working close to family and friends, how that would improve your health, and how such factors would impact your general performance. Don’t shy from making your request selfish: “I will save this much if I don’t have to commute every morning”.

Note: Arm yourself with data- studies, statistics, and surveys- but don’t overdo it.

3. Convince them through technology

Explain to the bosses how flexible storage and cloud access can enable you to collaborate with colleagues outside of the workplace. Explain how you can convert multiple large professional files into a RAR file and send them easily and securely via mail. If they aren’t familiar with audio and visual conferencing tools, introduce them to Skype, Zoom, or Microsoft Teams, and explain how such tools can give the company a competitive edge. Introduce them to instant messaging tools such as Slack and Google Hangouts Chat as well.

4. Propose a pilot

“How about I work from home every Wednesday for two months we see how that goes?” Your bosses are less likely to say no to that compared to when you suggest total flexibility. Commit to be availing yourself at the office in case you are needed in person on your pilot “flexible” day. If they agree to your deal, focus on impressing as a remote worker. Cement your status as an accessible, productive, and responsive employee even when the bosses aren’t there to supervise you. They might be willing to increase your flexible days from one to two if the two-month pilot is successful, or even agree to a gradual transition to total remote working. The proof is in the pudding, after all.

5. Work from home during your personal days

If the pilot proposal doesn’t convince them, try the harder route: Working during your personal days. Carry your PC with you the next time you are on vacation and spare a few hours every day to help with some office tasks. You know, communicate with team members and give professional advice through video conferencing platforms. Drive innovation, creativity and productivity as you sunbathe in Miami or hike the Machu Picchu. That will allow you to test the viability of remote working and convince the bosses that such an arrangement isn’t outrageous.

Conclusion

Change doesn’t come easily, so you better be patient when pitching these suggestions. Give the bosses enough time to process each suggestion before making a new one, and be sensitive to their reactions and perceptions. You risk being accused of sabotage if you don’t show patience and respect through the transition process.