How to Say it – Ask to Work Remotely
Use this script to request to work remotely instead of in the office.
Preparation:
- Before you ask to work remotely, do some self-examination. Do you have the temperament to work remotely? Do you have the physical capabilities at home to enable remote work? Does your company already allow remote work? Do you already have the opportunity to work from home occasionally? Have you already successfully worked remotely?
Make the Ask:
[Boss name], I’d like to talk with you about working from home two days a week. Can we set up a time to discuss this in further detail? [Customize your request for the number of days you’re wanting to work remotely.]Can we schedule a time in the next week to discuss that?
[Choose a timeframe that works for you and your boss.]
How It Might Sound:
You: Greg, with winter approaching, I’d like to talk with you about the possibility of working from home two days per week. I think I proved during the pandemic that I could be effective working remotely, and I’d like to set up a time later this week to talk to you about this in further detail.
Boss: Sure, we can talk about that. How’s Friday at 11?
You: That works for me. Do you want me to put together a proposal in writing?
Boss: That would be great.
You: Perfect. I’ll put that together and we can talk about it on Friday.
