So, you’re ready to have the conversation: talking to your boss about working remotely.
You’ve made your mind up. You’re tired of the office and ready to spread your wings, explore the world, and work remotely. But now you’re wondering how to get your boss on board. Don’t worry, we’re here to help you approach it in the right way.
Before we get into things, here's a quick reminder. Your boss isn’t just thinking about you. They’re thinking about the team and the success of the company.
They might be concerned about:
- Your productivity levels
- Lack of communication
- Can you be trusted to meet deadlines?
- How will you stay connected and be an active part of the team?
If you can address every single concern before they even bring it up, then you’re already ahead. Now let’s dive into how you can navigate this conversation.
Step One: Bring The Data
You need more than “I work better remotely.” You need receipts. Hard facts. The numbers don’t lie!
Have the statistics to back up your arguments, showing the benefits of remote work for both employers and employees. Here’s a cheat sheet with our fav facts.
Step Two: Productivity
One of the biggest concerns with remote work is: will any work actually get done? Here’s how you can show that you’ll stay on track:
- Schedule regular daily or weekly check-ins with the team to touch base and ensure you’re aligned
- Be transparent by setting weekly goals and sharing progress with the team
- Align your work schedule with the team’s core hours and clearly communicate your availability
- Use productivity tools like Trello, Toggl and Notion to track tasks
Step Three: Skills
Show examples of times when you demonstrated self-discipline and amazing time management.
Maybe you’ve managed projects independently, taken initiative, led your team, and continuously met deadlines. Have some examples to hand and make sure to communicate that your team has trust in your abilities.
Step Four: Inspiration
One of the biggest benefits of remote work is the opportunity to work in new environments.
- Fresh setting = fresh perspectives
- Expand your problem-solving skills, empathy and more by experiencing new cultures
- Be surrounded by other like-minded people that will spark inspiration
- Avoid burnout and stay engaged in your work
Step Five: Personal Growth
Emphasise how remote work will help you grow not only personally but also professionally, making you an even better employee than you already are. You can:
- Develop better self-discipline and time management
- Build your network
- Become a stronger, more adaptable team member
This isn’t just a win for you, it’s a win for the company!
Step Six: Trial Period
Your boss might not be ready to dive in headfirst, so ease them into it with a trial run pitch.
Suggest a one-month remote work trial, sticking to the same work schedule. At the end of the month, you can both assess how it went and decide if it’s going to work as a long-term plan.
The key here is to show that you’re serious, prepared and capable of handling the responsibility. You understand it’s not just about you, it’s about making you a stronger, more valuable team member!
If they say yes? You’re in, and we’re here to take you to the next level. Where are we going?! Find travel inspo in our upcoming Editions.
If they say no? Revisit the conversation at a later date and focus on solutions to their concerns.
You’ve Got This
By following these tips, you can make a strong case for why your boss should allow you to go remote. Start practising your pitch and get ready for adventure! And if you’d like to talk through how a month abroad could work alongside your job, book a call with our team.
