Career Advice: How To Negotiate A Flexible Work Schedule

For most employees, a flexible work schedule is key to a high quality of life. But not all employers understand the benefit of offering a results-oriented workplace rather than one focused solely on rigid requirements about hours and face time. We asked expert Pat Katepoo some questions about the most effective way to negotiate a flexible work schedule in a workplace with no existing policy offering it. Here are our questions and her expert career advice:

Q: In a recession, when so many companies are downsizing, is it risky to ask for a flexible work schedule?

A: Unfortunately, many employers aren't using workplace flexibility as a business survival strategy, so yes, asking in that environment can be risky. However, putting forth a proposal as a work group or department can be less risky, especially if it's positioned correctly. After all, a plan for telecommuting or part-time arrangements can be aligned with the employer's priorities, such as increased productivity and cost-cutting.

Q: Are there industries in which flexible schedules are easier to get?

A: A flexible schedule at your current job is not dependent on the industry as much as it is on the job position you hold, how you want to restructure it, and how well prepared you are to make your request. After acceptance of your well-prepared plan and proposal, the key to success in the long term is a supportive direct supervisor. The most progressive employers train their managers in work-life issues and how to manage by results instead of face time.

Q: What is the biggest mistake employees make when negotiating?

A: Not putting their request in a written proposal. It's too easy for a manager to give a knee-jerk, "No," if the employee hasn't spelled out a first-rate plan for how the work will get done under the new arrangement. Another big mistake is making their case based on personal reasons instead of positioning the bottom-line business benefits of the proposal.

Q: How can you predict whether your boss is likely to agree to a flexible schedule or not?

A: In my experience with thousands of career professionals since the 1990s, I would say you have roughly an 80% chance of getting your request approved if you are a reliable, productive employee who presents a detailed professional proposal in writing to a manager for whom you've worked at least two years.

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