Would you like more flexibility in your job?  Maybe you have family commitments and would like to negotiate a work schedule that is more suited to your needs.  Flexible schedules can allow you to attend you child’s after-school sports or attend to an aging parent’s medical needs.  How can you persuade your boss to let you work from home, job-share or go part-time?  Here are tips to help you negotiate a flexible work option.

Research

First, do your homework.  Review your organization’s Flexible Work Policy.  Know your opportunities and limitations.  Talk to other employees who are working in a flexible work arrangement.  Find out how they negotiated their work arrangement, and how it’s going.  Also, research studies on flexible work arrangements, so you can cite the positive effects.  According to a study conducted by Wake Forest University, workers with flexible jobs were less likely to report health problems.  They called in sick less often and felt more committed to their jobs.

Write a Proposal

Next, prepare a proposal to present to your manager.  Consider your needs and what type of flexible arrangement will best fit your needs.  Also consider the organization’s needs and how they will be met.  Here are key points to include in your proposal.

• Why you need flexibility in your work
• What type of flexible arrangement you are proposing — flexible hours, job share, part-time, telecommuting, etc.
• The impact on your job responsibilities
• The impact on your customers and colleagues
• Costs or cost savings associated with the work arrangement
• Other benefits to the organization

If after presenting your proposal, your manager is still hesitant, then propose a 3-6 month trial period, and suggest meeting periodically with your manager to assess the effectiveness of the work arrangement.

Follow these tips to present a strong proposal, and you’re likely to get acceptance.  Your preparation will pay off in the long run by giving you much needed flexibility and a boost to your well-being.