Slaying the Office Drone: How to Score More Home Office Days
Increased Number of Remote Work Days Granted
Got your boss grumbling every time you ask for home office days? Here's how to convince 'em you're a super-efficient, eco-friendly, employer-pleasing pro!
Living for the office 9-to-5? Many employees find it as appealing as a root canal. But not all bosses are open to the idea of workers wanting wine instead of water cooler chats. Some companies even want their employees to occupy every cubicle more frequently.
Fact: There's no universal law for work-from-home rights in Germany. It's all about what the boss and employee agree on. So, how can you negotiate like a ninja and get what you want? What arguments will bag you that much-desired WFH freedom? Let's dive in!
The Art of Pitching Home Office Days
Stick to job-related arguments to put your boss's doubts at ease. Show them that, contrary to popular belief, you'll produce more in your snuggie than in a sterile cubicle. A few pointers:
Crush Productivity
"Working from home flames productivity," says business coach Ute Gietzen-Wieland. Studies show that productivity takes off in the home office, especially if you're only there a few days a week. And who doesn't want a more productive employee?
Less Time Wasted
Compare the time spent commuting to the train, or stuck in those illustrious rush-hour traffic jams, with the time saved for the company in the home office. It's a killer argument, especially during peak business periods, according to Gietzen-Wieland.
Save Sweet Cash Money!
Companies save big on costs like electricity, cleaning, and travel subsidies with home office arrangements. With better employee health (fewer sick days) and enhanced environmental friendliness (zero commutes = less emissions), the company's carbon footprint shrinks faster than a cheap suit in a dryer.
What Not to Mention
Sound obvious: Got young'uns to wrangle or someone you need to pamper? Avoid these arguments when pitching your boss. "Don't jaw about childcare or looking after relatives as reasons for the home office," advises Hannes Zacher, professor of work and organizational psychology at Leipzig University. Your boss might suspect you'll use the home office for whatever you want, and not the job at hand.
Arguments like "I have to fetch the brats from school," or "We need to dine together," probably won't score points with management either. In hybrid work models, a healthy work-life balance is up to you, according to Zacher.
Game Plan for the Convo
So, when's the smartest time to bring up home office negotiation? "Employees should roll out the idea during annual reviews," recommends Zacher. They can point to the success they've had with one day of WFH a week, and ask for two days instead.
In an ongoing employment relationship, pitch your case with your past triumphs and the trust you've built with your boss. "Bosses are usually more accommodating when they know you, and your work is top-notch," says Gietzen-Wieland.
Prep well for the chat and be ready to address concerns, the coach advises. Try proposing a trial period, and agree on specific goals to be achieved within a set time frame.
Time to Hightail it
Topics: Employees Legal Questions Apartment Employer Home Office
What if the boss showers indifference despite golden arguments? If commuting stresses you out or office noise makes you ill, it might be time to move on to brighter pastures. Check out employers committed to flexibility in their job ads, and drop hints like a boss during interviews. Gietzen-Wieland suggests discussing the specifics of a company's flexible work arrangements during interviews.
Sources: ntv.de, awi/dpa
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Why Work From Home Works
Got the hang of it now? Here's a concise collection of arguments to win over your boss:
- Supercharged Productivity: Research shows that working from home can boost productivity by eliminating distractions and allowing for greater focus.
- Cash savings: Home office arrangements can save temps and employers money. Less commuting means lower transportation costs, and ditching the office space and utilities nets the boss some coin.
- Green show: By reducing daily commutes and avoiding office space, home office work contributes to a smaller carbon footprint.
- Talent Magnet: Flexible work arrangements can help attract top talent, as many job-seekers value work-from-home options.
- Healthy work-life balance: Greater control over your workspace can lead to happier employees and lower turnover rates, all contributing to a healthier work environment.
- Adaptability: Home office days improve a company's ability to adapt to changing circumstances, like unexpected office closures or maintenance issues.
- Propose a Trial Period: Test the effectiveness of more home office days by suggesting a trial period. This can help assess the impact on productivity and collaboration.
- Offer Solutions: Suggest regular video meetings, use collaboration tools, and set clear goals to address potential concerns about communication and collaboration.
- By embracing a home office policy, your company can demonstrate its commitment to health and wellness, as employees may experience reduced stress and increased productivity due to being in a familiar, comfortable environment – a key aspect of lifestyle and workplace-wellness.
- During negotiations for work-from-home days, it's essential to highlight the financial benefits for the company. For instance, vocational training programs, such as online courses, can help employees improve their skills, ultimately leading to better job performance and enhanced business growth.
- Much like vocational training, science plays a significant role in justifying a home office policy. Studies have consistently shown that employees who work from home tend to be more efficient and productive, which can contribute to the long-term success of the company's finance and career goals.
- In addition to the above points, bringing up the topic of home office negotiation during annual appraisals can demonstrate your dedication and enthusiasm for the job and the company. Proving your commitment through past accomplishments and building trust with your employer can increase the likelihood of obtaining more home office days as part of a comprehensive career development strategy.
