Donna Klein is featured as a “Thought Leader” by Working Mother magazine on its Web site. Donna’s post is titled “Getting Managers to Say Yes to Flex.”
Here’s an excerpt:
Here are some tips from a comprehensive study of flexible work options conducted by Corporate Voices in conjunction with WFD Consulting:
- Describe your proposed flexible work arrangement. Be as specific as possible.
- Consider your job performance objectives. How will your proposed flexible work arrangement change your ability to meet those objectives?
- Think about how you currently approach your job. Who do you communicate with and how often? What deadlines do you have?
- Document how you will accomplish your job responsibilities and objectives on your proposed flexible work arrangement.
- Consider potential challenges your flexible work arrangement might raise for your co-workers, manager(s) and customers/clients. What are some potential solutions to these challenges?
- Develop clear and measurable goals/or milestones for success.
- Describe any additional equipment/expenses that your proposed flexible work arrangement might require.
- Describe any short- or long-term costs savings for the organization that might result from your new flexible work schedule.
- When starting a conversation with your manager about a flexible work arrangement:
- Arrange a specific time to talk – rather than mentioning your interest in a flexible work arrangement in passing.
- Remember that this is flexibility! Remain flexible and be willing to make changes that meet business needs.
- And when approaching your manager about a flexible work arrangement, always consider that this is a win-win situation – for you and for the organization.
