Tips for Negotiating Flexible Working Options

When we talk about work from home and its benefits, flexible timing will top the list for many people. Employees find it easier to attain a proper work-life balance because they have flexible work options. Though it is hard to find jobs that offer flexible work schedules, you can now attain many flexible work schedule options in different kinds of jobs thanks to the remote work routine.

And ever since flexibility seems to be a viable option for various fields of employees, many students and part-time workers are finding it easier to earn their means through multiple jobs. In this article, we will discuss some tips on negotiating flexible working hours and ensuring you can get flexible work arrangements from your employer.

What is a Flexible Work Program?

The need for an employee to be physically present in the office is no longer as vital as in older times; this is probably because of the huge advancements in technology and the better control to connect over large distances virtually.

A flexible work program or flexible work arrangements allows employees to work remotely while staying connected to the company. Many major workplaces are now adapting this modern, flexible approach to get the numerous benefits of this arrangement. But what are the benefits of flexible hours, and how to negotiate salary and timings once you dive into the professional world?

To answer all these questions, below are some tips on negotiating a job offer for your maximum benefit and comfort.

Benefits of Flexible Work Arrangement

Modern office spaces are flexible office spaces with employees operating a lot differently from previous times. Even though many workplaces have gone entirely remote, some are still opting for options like a hybrid work arrangement or a combination of in-house and remote teams.

Either way, providing flexibility to employees always proves beneficial in many ways and here are some benefits of adopting a flexible work approach for your office.

Reduced Business Cost

Flexible work hours provide cost-effective solutions to both the employees and employers. Many large organizations have adopted this approach to save hundreds of dollars through this arrangement. With more control over business hours, employees can decide less busy hours to commute and save up on travel.

Greater Employee Retention

The happier and more involved your employees are, the less likely they will look for a job elsewhere. According to studies, even using flexible working arrangements on a limited basis improves employees' contentment with their workplace, making them more inclined to stay with their current company for a longer period.

Better Work Culture

Your employees are your organization's culture, and when you enforce a caring and positive attitude towards your employees, the entire vibe of your company will become much better. Allowing employees to achieve a better work-life balance encourages them to be happier and more fulfilled in their personal lives while also appreciating their work.

Employee happiness, engagement, and morale rise resulting in more productive workers. If employees are content in their current position, they are less likely to look for work elsewhere.

Better Talent Acquisition

As an employer, offering or negotiating flexible working arrangement gives you more options and a larger talent pool from which to hire. Advertise your company as accommodating flexible working hours and fostering work-life balance. You'll attract a diverse range of employees, including those who work part-time or study part-time.

How to Negotiate Flexible Work Hours?

A study shows that 87% of employees are likely to stay in their current jobs if they get the desired level of flexibility from their employees; providing flexibility to employees encourages them to stay and work for the company, and this also works for both the employer and employees in the longer run.

And since many organizations offer a flexible work arrangement, you could also desire your company to grant you some flexibility. Here are some tips to successfully negotiate flexible work hours with your employer.

Consult your Company’s Handbook

Before you ask or put in a request of any sort to your employer, make sure your company handbook gives you that advantage. You cannot demand certain flexibility if your company rules oppose it. Also, referring to the rules and pointers mentioned in the company handbook will deliver a good impression that you have done your research.

Plan it out

The easiest method to ensure success is to include solutions in your request to solve any potential challenges or roadblocks. Although it may be nerve-wracking to go into a meeting with your supervisor with a detailed plan in hand, it will almost certainly go over better than merely discussing the idea of flexible working hours without describing how it would be implemented.

Make a plan for yourself that you may refer to while contacting your boss. This should include a day-by-day schedule of working hours that you'd want to offer, considering any recurring meetings or other commitments that might necessitate your availability.

Start with a Trial

If you are going to introduce a change in working hours, you must be willing to admit that it might or might not work. Make sure you are open to a trial period first, so your employer feels the seriousness about your dedication to the company's success. A trial period will also allow you to learn and try managing multiple things at once.

Choose your Medium

Each workplace has its standard channel to negotiate the needs of the higher management. Firstly, you can begin with a negotiation email. Through an email, you can give the employer adequate time to understand and accept the terms and demands you are putting forward. This will also give them the right time to think and respond to your request.

The Right Time

If you've been offered a new job, now is the time to try to figure out a schedule that works for you to better negotiate flexible working. Just keep in mind that it's usually ideal to do this before accepting an offer, so you don't irritate your new boss.

Work hours are normally covered during your interview, but if not, use the time reserved for questions at the end. Before you sign on the dotted line, it's usually a good idea to find out how flexible a new company is with you.