Enhanced remote work opportunities offered
Want to work from home more often but your boss isn't thrilled? Here's a guide to help you make a compelling case.
Not every employer is eager to embrace remote work amid the traditional nine-to-five office setup. Some companies are, in fact, insistent on having their employees physically present at the office. Although there's no universal legal right to work from home in Germany, here's how you can negotiate effectively for more flexibility.
Tactic for the negotiation talk
Focus on task-related aspects and dispel workplace doubts. Argue for clear goals with specific deadlines to show your efficiency and commitment.
Emphasize these points during your conversation:
Amplified Productivity: "Employees who work from home exhibit significantly higher productivity," says business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland. Studies show that productivity often increases when working from home, especially for those who can structure their workday flexibly.
Time Optimization: By eliminating commuting, employees can allocate more time to work tasks, benefitting the company during peak periods.
Cost Reduction: Companies can save on utilities, maintenance, and possibly travel allowances when employees work remotely. Plus, sick leave rates may decrease due to fewer virus transmissions in the office.
Greener Footprint: Since commuting is eliminated, the company's CO2 footprint shrinks.
Improved Work-Life Balance: Mention this point tactfully, focusing mainly on the benefits remote work offers to the company. Professor Hannes Zacher of Leipzig University advises keeping the focus on concrete, objective arguments.
Caution with Certain Arguments
Avoid using childcare or eldercare responsibilities as reasons for more home office days. This may give your employer doubts about your actual dedication to work. Even arguments like "I need to pick up my kids from school" or "I want to have lunch with my partner" might not sway management in a hybrid work environment.
Negotiation Strategy
Timing is key. Preferably during the annual review, employees can bring up the issue and cite past successes with one day a week remote work and ask for an increase to two days a week.
When building a solid relationship with your employer, companies are more likely to accommodate flexible arrangements. Business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland reminds us that employers are more inclined to be understanding when they're familiar with an employee's performance and work ethic.
Prepare for the conversation, and be ready with solutions for any concerns the employer may have. Propose a trial period, and agree on specific goals to be achieved within a certain time frame.
Quitting the Negotiation
If the employer remains inflexible despite well-considered arguments, it might be time to reconsider your options. Hannes Zacher suggests evaluating the situation and considering a job change if commuting is a major source of stress or office noise is affecting your health.
When searching for a new job, focus on job advertisements that mention flexible work arrangements and clarify these concepts during job interviews.
Source: ntv.de, awi/dpa
- Employees
- Legal questions
- Apartment
- Work-Life Balance
Employers are increasingly open to flexible work arrangements. Use the data above to articulate your case for working more from home.
When negotiating with your employer, it's essential to have strong, data-backed arguments to support your proposal. Focus on productivity improvements, time savings, and cost reductions for your company.
Avoid relying too heavily on personal reasons, as these could create doubts about your commitment to work. Instead, use examples of successful remote work in your industry and emphasize your ability to maintain clear goals and objectives.
Prepare for your negotiation by researching the company's existing policies on remote work and understanding the legal framework in Germany. Be open to compromise and propose trial periods to prove the feasibility of your proposal.
If negotiations prove unsuccessful, consider whether it's time to pursue opportunities elsewhere. Research job postings that emphasize flexible work arrangements, and ask questions during job interviews about the company's interpretation of these policies.
- To strengthen your case for working from home more often, delve into community policy, such as vocational training programs, that cater to remote employees, ensuring a conducive workplace-wellness environment for improved health-and-wellness and lifestyle balance.
- Explore finance-related aspects, like the potential savings for the company when employees work from home, such as reduced utility and maintenance costs. Additionally, discuss the company's possible investments in providing effective vocational training to remotely working individuals, fostering long-term business success and career growth.
- When citing arguments to support your proposal for remote work, emphasize vocational training opportunities as a tool to enhance employees' skills and adaptability, ensuring continued productivity and success in the evolving business landscape.
- In the quest for a healthier work-life balance, consider advocating for vocational training programs that integrate workplace-wellness strategies, equipping employees with the necessary skills to manage stress and maintain a positive outlook, ultimately boosting their productivity and job satisfaction.
