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In general, we all want to lead a balanced life, and we are constantly looking for ways to achieve it. Working moms, however, face more challenges because they need to juggle even more demands. Today, our post on "Asking for (and Getting) Flexibility at Work" was written by our guest blogger, Lori K. Long, Ph.D., author of the book "The Parents Guide to Family-Friendly Work: Finding the Balance Between Employment and Enjoyment. "** We hope you enjoy this post, get insight and tips to help you achieve more balance between work and family.
Asking for (and Getting!) Flexibility at Work by Lori K. Long, Ph.D.
Working moms face many challenges in meeting the conflicting demands of work and family. Many have found a change in work schedule offers a reasonable solution to this complex dilemma. Options such as reduced hours, a shift in schedule or an opportunity to work from home could lead to less stress and more time for your family.
Unfortunately, not all companies have policies or practices in place to support working in an alternate arrangement. Further, companies that do have accommodating policies and practices often give individual managers discretion in granting individual requests. Therefore, a well-planned request is essential to get the schedule you want.
You might be tempted to plead your case based on the conflicts and stress in your life. However, many others in your company likely face the same constraints as you do. While your boss may empathize with you, he or she may not be think granting your schedule request is in the best interest of the company.
Therefore, the best approach is to present your request with your company’s interests in mind. Consider how your altered schedule or work arrangement could be a solution to a problem your company is facing. For example, reducing your hours could help cut costs in a department facing budget constraints. Shifting your schedule so that you come in earlier or stay later could allow your company to extend the hours that they provide service to customers. Working from home could help free up office space if you are in a growing company short on employee workspace. Allowing someone else to take over some of your responsibilities could provide a developmental opportunity to a less experienced co-worker.
The key is to identify how your proposed work arrangement actually benefits the company. In addition to the fact that you will be more productive since you will be less stressed and more committed to the company (both of which you should point out in your proposal), you should also clearly illustrate for your boss how your alternate work arrangement benefits the company.
Once you've built the business case for your request, then you must put your proposal in writing. A well-written proposal that spells out exactly how the arrangement will work, and how you will succeed in the arrangement should answer any concerns your boss may hold. Make sure you clearly explain the arrangement you want, how you will get your work done, the benefits you've determined for the company, any changes in compensation or time-off benefits that will result, your contingency plans to handle unexpected changes in workload, and also a recommended trial period.
Try to foresee any concerns your boss may have and address them in your proposal. The more front-end planning you do before making your request, the more likely you will be able to negotiate a work arrangement that allows you to meet your family needs and reduce the stress in your life.
- The Moms' Buzz
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** THE PARENT'S GUIDE TO FAMILY-FRIENDLY WORK: Finding the Balance Between Employment
and Enjoyment by Lori K. Long, Ph.D. (Career Press, July 30, 2007. $14.99) is a career guide to assist you in finding a job that allows a balance between work and family. The book will help you overcome the barriers you might face in your job search, understand flexible work options and supportive benefits, and learn strategies to search for and negotiate an arrangement that works for you and your family. More info, here. Available at Amazon.com.
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