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How to Negotiate a Remote Work Arrangement

By Melanie Uy Melanie Uy Writer Queens College Harvard University Extension School Former Lifewire writer Melanie Uy has 5+ years' experience writing about consumer-oriented technology and is an expert telecommuter. lifewire's editorial guidelines Updated on June 30, 2022 Tweet Share Email Tweet Share Email Working From Home The Ultimate Guide to Shopping Online The Ultimate Guide to Online Learning at Home The Ultimate Guide to Skype

What to Know

First: Make sure telecommuting works for you. Know the position you're after. Check company remote work policies.Approach employer: Create a written proposal. Include benefits to employer and job effectiveness. This article explains how to negotiate for a work-from-home arrangement with an employer. If you're looking for a new job where you can work from home, there are many telecommuting jobs, but you'll need to learn the best places to look for a work-from-home position.

Before You Work From Home

First, make sure telecommuting is really for you. Working remotely is a dream for many, but it's not for everyone. You probably already know the benefits of telecommuting, but make sure you also know the disadvantages and carefully consider all the factors that will make telecommuting either successful or not for you personally (such as your ability to focus without supervision, comfort with being isolated from the office, quality of home/remote working environment, etc.). Before you approach your employer, you should have some knowledge about the at home opportunity you are after in relation to your current role and work to strengthen your negotiating position. Find out more about your company's existing remote work policies and evaluate where you fit in as an employee in terms of being greatly valued and trusted. This information can strengthen your case for telecommuting. Do some extensive research that proves the benefits of telecommuting arrangements for employers that will be applicable to your company. Not too long ago, telecommuting was considered a perk, but today it's a common work style that benefits both the employee and the employer. You can use positive research findings of telecommuting benefits for employers, such as telecommuters' increased productivity and improved employee retention, to strengthen your proposal. GlobalWorkPlaceAnalytics.com is a great source for research on telework and telecommuting. Tara Moore/Getty Images

Approach Your Employer

Once you've compiled your research, create a written proposal. This will help you fine-tune your request and will likely be taken more seriously than a casual mention. The proposal should include the benefits to your employer and details on how you will accomplish your job more effectively and efficiently. If you'd prefer to make your request in person, still write the proposal -- as practice for when you talk to your boss. It may be beneficial by starting small and proposing to try out working from home for two weeks or so to see how things go for both you and your employer. It's important to get ready to discuss in person by brushing up on your negotiating skills. If it looks like your request will be turned down, find out why and offer a solution or compromise (e.g., part-time telecommuting vs. full-time, short trial run, etc.).

Once You Start at Home

During any trial period, be sure to keep up your part of the agreement and maintain your productivity, of course (you can refer to your written proposal and the executed remote work agreement to stay on track). In order to show your commitment to the company, check-in regularly with your boss to show your progress and emphasize how working remotely has improved your work -- so that you can make this arrangement permanent. Was this page helpful? Thanks for letting us know! Get the Latest Tech News Delivered Every Day Subscribe Tell us why! Other Not enough details Hard to understand Submit More from Lifewire What to Include in a Remote Work Proposal How to Make Money as an Instagram Influencer The Best Work-From-Home Jobs The Top 6 Benefits to Telecommuting How to Receive a Corporate Cell Phone Discount What Does Telework Mean? The 10 Best Working From Home Tips in 2022 The Computer Equipment You Need to Work From Home What Is Telecommuting? Tax Implications of Cross-Border Telecommuting How to Connect a Smart TV Webcam The Best Sites to Post a Resume or Candidate Profile in 2022 Why Use Twitter? Ways for Beginners to Get Started Learn About the Types of Graphic Design Portfolios Differences Between Telecommuting and Telework How to Make a Successful Demo Reel for 3D Artists Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up Newsletter Sign Up By clicking “Accept All Cookies”, you agree to the storing of cookies on your device to enhance site navigation, analyze site usage, and assist in our marketing efforts. Cookies Settings Accept All Cookies