Succeeding as a First-Time Parent (HBR Working Parents Series)

11

How to Negotiate Remote and Flexible Work Arrangements

by Ruchi Sinha and Carol T. Kulik

Quick Takes

• Flexibility includes what you do, not just where and when
• Your company doesn’t need to have an explicit flex policy for you to negotiate flexible work
• Understand your company’s policies before you make the ask
• Document your remote and flexible successes
• Have a backup plan in place

Should you consider “making the ask” and negotiating remote and flexible work arrangements with your boss? If so, how do you go about it?

First, let’s look at the two myths about negotiating flexible work arrangements.

Myth 1: Negotiating flexibility is mainly about when and where you do your work.

There is a tendency to view flexibility negotiations as revolving ...