How to propose working from home to your employer
The COVID-19 pandemic (who?) fundamentally changed the landscape of work, pushing millions of employees to adapt to remote work. This shift actually revealed the potential for increased productivity and work-life balance outside traditional office settings, let alone the potential savings for companies by cancelling the lease on that office block.
Here’s some stats for the next pub quiz,
86% of employees feel that working from home reduces distractions and interruptions.
Companies save an average of £9,000 per year for each employee who works remotely half of the time
So, if you're considering transitioning to a full-time or hybrid remote role in 2024, a well-crafted remote work proposal is your key to success.
Why You Should Write a Remote Work Proposal
Writing a remote work proposal isn’t just about listing the perks of working from home. It’s about clearly demonstrating how this shift can benefit both you and your employer (note the stats above!). Here’s how you can sell your case:
1. How Will Your Employer Benefit?
Start by highlighting how your productivity has (or could be) improved during remote work periods. For example, you might say, “During the pandemic, my productivity increased by 20% as I was able to work in a distraction-free environment.” This is your opportunity to back your request with data, showing how limited distractions and a tailored work environment can lead to better results for the company.
Also, point out the financial savings for the company—no need to pay for your office space, utilities, or commuting costs. These savings can be reinvested into other areas of the business.
2. Communication and Work Hours
Clearly outline how you will maintain effective communication with your team. Whether it’s through Slack for quick updates, Zoom for weekly meetings, or Monday for task management, ensure your employer knows that collaboration won’t suffer. Propose working hours that align with the rest of the team to maintain synchronicity.
3. Accountability and Performance Tracking
To alleviate any concerns about accountability and watching loose women all day, suggest regular check-ins or performance reviews. You could say, “I propose bi-weekly progress meetings to discuss my goals and performance, ensuring that I remain aligned with the team’s objectives.” This proactive approach will reassure your employer that you are committed to maintaining high standards. Simply catch up on loose women on a Saturday!
4. Home Office Setup (or coffee shop of course)
Describe your home office setup, emphasising how it is conducive to productivity. Although, you should mention any technology or equipment you may need from the company, such as a monitor or ergonomic chair, to create an optimal workspace. This shows that you’ve thought about what you need to maintain (or even enhance) your productivity.
If part of your request is down to flexibility, mention working from coffee shops, just to ensure you are able to work on certain task or data handling publicly. We have an article on how to work safely from a coffee shop, which can aid you with some more equipment and tech requests.
5. Addressing Potential Challenges
Finally, anticipate and address any potential challenges, such as unreliable internet or balancing work with household responsibilities. For instance, you could suggest using a backup mobile hotspot to ensure uninterrupted connectivity or discuss your childcare arrangements to minimise distractions during work hours.
Structuring Your Remote Work Proposal
When laying out your proposal, follow this structure:
Introduction: State your desire to work remotely and briefly mention the benefits for both you and the company.
Background: Provide evidence of your past performance, particularly how well you’ve worked remotely during the pandemic (or data from other companies if you haven’t worked remotely).
Benefits: Dive into how this change will benefit your employer and you, focusing on productivity, cost savings, and work-life balance.
Work Plan: Detail your proposed communication methods, work hours, and how you will stay accountable.
Home Office Setup: Describe your workspace and any resources you need.
Challenges and Solutions: Proactively address any concerns and offer solutions.
Writing a remote work proposal requires some careful planning and a focus on how this transition can benefit both you and your employer, don’t rush through it, you need to sell that this is a benefit for both parties. With the right approach and angle, you can secure a work-from-anywhere lifestyle that not only enhances your productivity, but your work-life balance. Start drafting your proposal today, there’s no better time to take control of your work environment.
Good luck, and think of all the flat whites!