FAQ of the Month
What's the best way to talk with my employer about a more flexible work schedule?
Whether it's your summer research obligations or a new full-time position, you may be considering ways to approach your employer about adding flexibility to your schedule, e.g., working from home on certain days, shifting your hours from the traditional 9-5, or something else. Here are three tips to keep in mind:
Prove yourself first. This may seem like an obvious one, but it's difficult to ask for a flexible schedule before you've proven your worth. Put in the face-time, show you're a trustworthy employee, and you may find that your employer is more open to the idea.
Explain the benefits for your employer. Sure, it's easy to zero in on the ways that a flexible schedule would benefit YOU, but what about your employer? Think about how you can make that pitch: Will you be able to assume more responsibility if you're spending less time on your commute? Will the flexibility allow you to fill an unmet need for the department or organization?
Adjust your plan and reevaluate as necessary. Your ideas for a flexible work schedule should be, well ... flexible! Be ready to make tweaks, e.g., getting to the office or lab for important meetings. Put a plan in writing and suggest to your employer that you try it for a month. Then meet to discuss what’s working, what’s not, and where you might need to adjust.