Flexible Work: How to Prepare for
Objections
to Your Request (Plus the Six Common Ones to Expect)
How ready are you with answers to each question or objection your
manager may have in response to your proposal for flexible work?
Tempted to skip this step?
Don’t. It’s like not preparing for a job interview.
Thorough preparation makes a positive impression on the person behind the
desk—in this case, your manager. You’re aiming for “Yes, I think we can
work this out with the plan you’ve presented.”
First, anticipate and think through likely questions or objections.
Then, prepare and practice your replies.
Role-play with a friend, or a supportive co-worker who is
familiar with your manager's temperament.
To get you started, below are:
Six Common Objections (and Where to Find the Answers)
OBJECTION #1:
“We've never done this before.” OR “It's not our policy.”
OBJECTION #2:
“If I let you do it, what will happen if I get a second request within
the department? I can't let two people within the department work alternative
schedules.”
OBJECTION #3:
“If I let you do it, everyone else will want to do the same.”
OBJECTION #4:
“You're a manager; you can't telecommute (or work four days or
part-time).”
OBJECTION #5:
“Your type of job can't be turned into a flexible work arrangement.”
OBJECTION #6:
“Why do you want telecommute (or work four days or part-time) anyway?”
Other possible objections would be specific to your job and your employer.
- What
are they?
- List them.
- Prepare and practice your responses.
You get scripted replies to ALL six objections above in your copy of the
WorkOptions Proposal Package, whether you choose the
Telecommuting,
Compressed Workweek,
Part-time or
Job Sharing version.
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