Is It Time For You To Negotiate a WFH Agreement?

The Great Office Migration

After many employees spent the better part of two years working from home, 66% of America’s employers are now requiring employees to return to the office. But, when it comes to remote work, the proverbial cat is now out of the bag.

The COVID-19 pandemic, and its fallout, taught employees that they can work effectively while remote. This means it could be an ideal time to negotiate your current work agreement, considering many things about your job could be negotiable — not just your salary.

Time To Negotiate

The first thing to note is that it’s difficult and expensive for companies to replace workers. If you have been a dedicated employee who excels at your job, you could be in a strong position to negotiate your work agreement.

Consider choosing three things that are most important to you. For example, would you prefer to start later each morning so you can drive your kids to school? Does three days in the office sound more palatable than the traditional five? Would you appreciate a gas stipend to compensate for the added expense of your commute?

Prioritization is important — exceed three and you run the risk of being viewed as taxing or exploitative. If you receive pushback, consider countering with an offer to test run your new work schedule for a pilot period, such as 90 days.

Know Your Value

This negotiation could be a moment of self-reflection. Employees who have demonstrated their value shouldn’t hesitate to push for what’s important.

Alternatively, if you just started at a company and still have a lot to learn about your role, returning to the office could help you gain knowledge firsthand.

At the end of the day, the job market right now favors employees, making it a great time to negotiate your ideal working environment. Everyone produces their best work under different circumstances, but remember, it’s important for employees, as well as employers, to maintain flexibility.

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