A million articles like this start with the hackneyed run-on about how the pandemic has drastically affected our plans, changed interactions with family and colleagues and done a lot of other things. It’s understandable. We’ve been living like this for two years now.
During this time, corporate activity has begun to resemble an erratic cryptocurrency schedule, up and down – then in the office, then at home. With such regular and unpredictable changes in the environment, many have become aware of which format is more comfortable and productive to work in.
For example, some people have fallen in love with telecommuting, so much so that they no longer want to go back to the office. It is for this category of career people that we are here. We will now tell you how to convince management that you should stay in telecommuting.
Think about the format you would like to have this conversation in
If you have decided to take home the job by all means, you need to think about what format to use to communicate this to your manager. The classic form of e-mail may not be so convincing. At the very least a video call or a face-to-face meeting may be suitable. But the preferences of management should also be taken into account. So that the conversation can be held at a location that is comfortable to everyone.
It’s also a good idea to prepare before you start the conversation so that you won’t regret the unspoken words. When preparing your speech, focus on the main argument – working remotely increases your efficiency and productivity. Work through possible objections, preferably so that none of them take you by surprise during the conversation.
Make sure you have all the arguments and facts with you
You should be aware that the employer is interested in your return to the office. There are many reasons for this. One of the main ones is why do you even need an office if no one works there? Moreover, face-to-face interaction between employees strengthens the corporate culture, creates room for new ideas and generally maintains discipline.
That’s why your arguments should focus on benefits for the company. So keep your complaints about the long commute to the office or the strain of sitting behind a chair. Just talk about productivity, which is five times better at home. In fact, even not having to get to the office can be built into the context of productivity. For example, you have much more time to accomplish tasks and projects. The journey to the office was distracting, taking up a lot of energy. Context is important.
Even better if you have specific numbers and indicators that show an increase in productivity at home. But this is ideal.
The most important thing is to convince management that you’ll bring much more value from home than if you worked in an office. That’s capitalism.
Try to be assertive, but not aggressive
We’re well aware that you need to change the format of your work. But don’t forget diplomacy, without which any agreement can fall apart, despite the number of good arguments. Don’t allow yourself to become aggressive if you see denial. To get results, you need to endear yourself to your boss, make him or her open-minded.
Don’t forget about honesty
Of course, the manager understands that your life’s values are unlikely to be your top priority. However dutiful and obedient you may be. So allow yourself some honesty. It will make you more human.
If you have children to look after or want to avoid contact with a lot of people on public transport, say so. We are all human and we understand each other very well in simple everyday things.
And be prepared to compromise.
This negotiation may not lead you to a complete victory over the office. But it is possible that you may be offered some kind of compromise. For example, a hybrid schedule – one part of the week from home, the other from the office.
