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Flexible Work: Will Your Boss Say YES to Your Request?

Do you fit the approval profile? Based on more than a decade of experience with thousands of professionals with all types of managers, I've observed an approval profilethat consistently gets the green light for a flexible work arrangement. See how well you match it, based on your quiz score, below.

If you score well on the criteria below, that's a strong indicator that your request for flexible work will get approved—even from a tough-sell boss. I've seen it happen over and over.

Take this 3-question quiz to gauge your approval outlook. (Low-tech, yes, but quick and glitch-free!)

1. How long have you worked for the same manager?

A.  < 1 year
B. 
1 to 2 years
C. 
> 2 years

2. How does your manager rate your job performance?

A.  Standard Performance
B.
  Above Standard Performance
C.
  Superior Performance

3.  How do you plan to present your request for a flexible work arrangement?

A.  Verbally
B.
  With a proposal I've researched and written myself from scratch
C.  With a professional proposal customized from one of the WorkOptions Proposal Packages

Tally Your Quiz Score:
Each A response = 1 point
Each B response = 2 points
Each C response = 4 points (4 points, not 3; these C factors are weighted higher because of their reliable impact in getting approval of a request for a flexible work arrangement.)

A Gauge for Assessing If You'll Get a YES to Your Flexible Work Request

3-5 points: LOW  A verbal request by a marginal short-term employee is a recipe for denial of a flexible work arrangement. Recommendation: Take several months to build tenure and performance with your manager, then add a solid plan and proposal in writing.

6-7 points: FAIR  In which areas can you add one or two more points? Recommendation: To enhance your chances of getting approval of a flexible work arrangement, consider delaying your request until you reach the next level. Meanwhile, Get the Scoop on Your Employer as a planning step and read the strategy articles here.

8-9 points: GOOD  Or good-to-go, as they say. This is a decent starting position for making your request now. A detailed proposal will tip the scales in your favor. Recommendation: Do the Redesign Your Job exercise to customize your proposal.

10-12 points: VERY GOOD to EXCELLENT  You're well-positioned for approval and can be confident in moving ahead with your request. The WorkOptions Proposal Packages (see top left menu) have roughly an 80% success rate; your tenure and job performance reinforce the likelihood of getting the flexible work you want. Recommendation: Don't delay in preparing and presenting your proposal. Choose a flexible work option from the chart below.

Telecommuting Proposal Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now
Compressed Workweek Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now
Part-time Proposal Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now
Job Sharing Proposal Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now

“I'm still nervous. I don't think my manager will go for this.”

It's okay to feel that way because being nervous, apprehensive or hesitant is actually part of the process of making the request. It first surfaces in the thinking-about-it stage.

Accept it as normal and don't let it stop you from asking for what you want. (And asking, by the way, is the only way you're going to get it.) Besides, a professional proposal builds confidence.

Even a “Tough-sell” Boss Can Be Won Over with the WorkOptions Proposal Package

Even if yours is a tough case, don't second-guess what your manager will do or say; no one can predict that with certainty.  

Many previous WorkOptions.com visitors were doubtful about getting a positive response from their manager until they put the Proposal Package into action.

Take a look at several cases of tough-sell managers who were won over using the WorkOptions Proposal Package. They will encourage you to move forward in spite of your doubts.

Find Your Manager in the Headings Below

The Brick-Wall Manager

I've tried to convince management that I could make a limited hour schedule work before and I've always been turned down. This time, my flawless proposal got through the brick wall!

Lorraine Sitton (got approval of a reduced workweek)
Senior Paralegal
Ponte Vedra Beach, FL

The It-Won't-Work Manager

...before I left on maternity leave, I requested a compressed workweek. I was told no and that it wouldn't work. While on leave I came across your proposal blueprint. I hesitated...[and] was somewhat skeptical. [Then], I decided it was worth the risk.

I...emailed it to my boss yesterday morning. By 3pm, she called me to tell me I have her approval to work 4 days per week when I return from maternity leave. I want people to know that it is well worth the [price]. Thank you...

Angie McDonald (got approval of a compressed workweek)
Wichita, KS

The Wouldn't-Even-Consider-It Manager

I'm so excited I can hardly stand it! My professional proposal sealed the deal; honestly, my boss said she would not have even considered it had I not put together such a wonderful presentation. Thank you.

Kate Ross (got approval of a reduced workweek)
Field Marketing Manager
Orinda, CA

The I-Can't-Do-Without-You-in-the-Office Manager

The day after I briefly mentioned my [4-day work week] plans, my boss told me that it was unlikely that he would do without me one day a week. However, following the review of my proposal, he completely changed his story...

Danielle Ouendag (got approval of a four-day workweek)
Environmental Affairs Manager (pharmaceuticals)
Grand Rapids, Michigan

The Cold-Chill Manager

When I first approached my manager about working from home one day a week upon my return to work [after maternity leave], she gave me a very chilly response. Once my son came into the world a couple of months later, I knew that I had to bring up the subject again, but this time, with a very buttoned-up, well-thought-out plan.

While researching, I found your website and purchased your telecommuting proposal template. Last week I had lunch with my boss to review the proposal, and she did a complete 180! She actually laughed at how "comprehensive" my proposal was.  I return to work this week, and instead of feeling overwhelmed, I am actually looking forward to it! I attribute her change of heart to the [WorkOptions] proposal I submitted. Thank you!

Kim Yates (got approval to telecommute)
Account Executive
Television Advertising Sales
Atlanta, Georgia

The Full-of-Questions-and-Concerns Manager

I wanted to telecommute full-time in my current job because I was moving to Atlanta from San Francisco...using [your Proposal Package], I was well-prepared with a strategy and ready answers to my boss's questions and concerns. Bottom-line: my telecommuting proposal was approved. Thank you.

Brad Palmer (got approval to telecommute)
Atlanta, GA

The Taken-Back-at-the-Idea Manager

While my boss was pretty taken back with the thought of my going part-time, he did comment that I seemed to have really put a lot of thought into my decision and thought the proposal covered all the bases...

K. Jarvis (got approval of a part-time schedule)
Account Manager
UNICARE Life & Health Insurance Company
Virginia

The Manager Needs Someone Else to Approve It, Too

...We presented our proposal to our immediate manager and department manager. One comment that our dept. mgr. made upon seeing our proposal was, 'If all of our sales proposals looked this good, we would be making a killing!'

J. Brown (got approval of job sharing)
Advertising Sales Rep (newspaper)
Phoenix, AZ

The Human Resource Manager said she was so impressed with my [reduced hours] proposal and how professional it was. She and my boss approved it...

Angela Hunt (got approval of a reduced workweek)
Advertising Sales Rep (publishing)
Kansas City, MO

Finally, read how the WorkOptions Proposal Package won over FOUR higher-ups in THREE layers of management for FIRST-time-ever approval:

[My immediate boss] was impressed...Unfortunately, she was not the final decision-maker ...Our VP...was very impressed with [the proposal's] professionalism, detail, references and quotes...he needed to talk to his boss (the Senior VP) and the CIO (about feasibility of technology and security issues...).

Two days later my VP told me that while he had never allowed an employee to work from a home office and that the idea was very progressive, his answer was "Yes!" The Senior VP and CIO had both approved my proposal.

I am walking on air and still can't believe my dream has come true! I truly couldn't have made a better impression without the help of [your Proposal Package. It] gave me the tools I needed to pursue this alternative work arrangement with confidence. Thank you...

Shannon Bryant (got approval to telecommute from Maine)
Healthcare Analyst
Chesterfield, MO

Asking Works!

Ask with a first-rate written proposal. It's critical to approval.

Avoid Two Big Mistakes in asking for a flexible work arrangement.

Bottom line: Using the WorkOptions Proposal Package is a proven factor in influencing managers to agree to a flexible work request.

Telecommuting Proposal Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now
Compressed Workweek Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now
Part-time Proposal Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now
Job Sharing Proposal Learn More Copy First Page Order & Download Now



 

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