We all know that Covid-19 turned many people’s lives upside down in 2020 and continue to play a role in 2021. Not only did we have to adjust our home lives and lifestyle but our workplace as well. Pre-Covid 19, working remote was deemed as a “luxury” to most even though many companies already had remote workforce in place. Once the pandemic ramped up in many areas, those who could make the quick switch to remote did so right away. Now that things are slowly getting back to “normal”, many companies who had temporarily gone remote are transitioning back to the office if they haven’t fully already. But what if you are interested in staying remote? What does that conversation look like with your employer and how can you prove to them you can be just as effective in a remote setting?
Put Together a Plan
If you have been remote for the past year and want to continue to be, make sure to work out the logistics ahead of time before speaking with your employer. Some key logistics to consider are special equipment that you may need, adequate internet connection, proper office supplies, etc. You may also want to consider coming into the office a set number of days on a monthly, quarterly, or yearly basis to show you still want to stay connected. Prepare a detailed plan of office visits, client visits, etc. and what that looks like working from home. What your employer really wants to know is have you been effective all this time working from home? Be sure to back up your performance working from home vs in an office setting and how it will benefit your company.
Your “Why”
If your “why” is so you can work in your pajamas, then you should probably reconsider your motive for wanting to work from home. Our world has shifted in the last year so with that comes a shift in priorities as well. Maybe you want to be at home when your kids get home from school or you truly find that you are getting more done throughout the day. Whatever your “why” is, make sure you can adequately explain that to your employer. Be honest with your reasoning and your employer will be much more likely to accommodate your request!