(Thanks to our partner FlexJobs for this helpful resource.)
A recent survey found that 65% of people said they would prefer to work at home full-time after the pandemic. and 31% would prefer a hybrid work arrangement (combo WFH and in-office). 51% of survey respondents say they have been more productive working from home during COVID-19, and 95% of respondents say productivity has been higher or the same while working remotely.
EMAIL TO REQUEST A MEETING Subject Ideas:- Long-term remote work options
- Plan for continuing to work from home
- Modifying my work from home / work at the office schedule
Hi [MANAGER] I'd like to request a meeting to discuss the team's plans to return to the office and what the options are for longer-term remote work. Can we set up a call this week to talk about what might work for both of us?
Best wishes, [your name]
PROPOSAL OUTLINE TO PRESENT AT YOUR MEETING Send this to whoever you're meeting with the day before your meeting so they have time to review it.Request: A long-term remote work arrangement. [You may want to list the specific arrangement or arrangements you'd ideally like here. For example:
- Work from home 2-3 days per week
- Continue working 100% from home, with in-office visits as needed.
- Work from home through spring 2021
Since beginning to work from home full-time during the pandemic, I've discovered just how productive and effective I can be at my job by working this way. This was possible despite the many other responsibilities that shifted in my personal life at the same time. Like many of our team, because of remote work, I believe you'll agree that I continued contributing at a high level at work while taking care of unexpected and challenging life circumstances.
While working remotely, I've been able to ... [List specific accomplishments, achievements, and improvements related to work.]
Use statements like these:
- 95% client retention during a severe economic downturn due to excellent communication and availability outside traditional office hours
- 15% fewer PTO or sick days compared to last year because I can keep working through mild illnesses, when children are home sick, etc.
- Creative new ways of collaborating and communicating with coworkers leading to stronger working relationships
- A faster turnaround time on projects / content / brainstorms / client requests because of the increased focus that remote work supports
I understand how important it is for me to be reachable and available even when working remotely. Here's how I can make that possible:
- Stick to predictable hours that overlap with the team's for synchronous work
- Be available by email, phone, and online chat during work hours
- Announce my arrival and departure every day just as I would in the office
- Send schedule changes and other necessary info to anyone affected
- Dial into all meetings and use video whenever possible
- Make regular visits to the office and be available as needed for in-person meetings
Thank you very much for your time and consideration - I'm hopeful this arrangement will be beneficial for me, our team, and the company as a whole.
These tools will help you get the conversation started. Be sure to emphasize the positive benefits for your remote arrangement, rather than focusing on what you don't want and using terms that sound negative ("not wanting to interact with the public or working with people who won't follow the rules.) One other factor might be health risks for you or your family - people with pre-existing conditions or high risk factors. Your manager will want to know about these things right away so she can factor them into her decision.
Candace's background includes Human Resources, recruiting, training and assessment. She spent several years with a national staffing company, serving employers on both coasts. Her writing on business, career and employment issues has appeared in the Florida Times Union, the Jacksonville Business Journal, the Atlanta Journal Constitution and 904 Magazine, as well as several national publications and websites. Candace is often quoted in the media on local labor market and employment issues. View all posts by candacemoody
