Employees guide to creating a work flexibility request

A critical factor in the success of workplace flexibility in your firm is the partnership between a manager and an employee. It is the employee’s responsibility to prepare a formal flexibility request for the approval of management. This includes:

• Becoming informed about the organization’s position on flexibility

• Identifying what type(s) of flexibility are of interest

• Having a preliminary discussion with his/her manager

• Completing and submitting a written proposal

• Meeting with his/her manager discuss any concerns.

Your request is really a sales document and your manager is your potential customer. Show that you have anticipated the potholes, thought realistically about how to make it work smoothly, and how it will benefit your manager and team members. Let your manager know that you are willing to adjust your plan, if necessary, to suit the needs of the business. Finally, like any reliable product, it comes with a "free trial period."