HBR Guides to Emotional Intelligence at Work Collection (5 Books) (HBR Guide Series)

Chapter 7

Winning Support for Flexible Work

by Amy Gallo

Many professionals seek flexible work arrangements to accommodate lives that don’t mesh with a 9-to-5 day. Yet few companies have official policies or programs for alternative schedules—and just as few managers are willing or equipped to provide them for members of their teams. This doesn’t mean you should give up on the idea of flextime if it would help you cut down a lengthy commute or avoid burnout. It just means that the onus is on you to propose a plan that works for you, your boss, and your company.

What the Experts Say

Before you pursue a flexible schedule, recognize that you’re likely to be bucking long-held conventions. “Traditionally, managers were reluctant to have people work ...