Advocacy is more than a buzzword. It’s a strategy, a voice, and a commitment to seeing the change we envision. The corporate world is undergoing a transformative shift, primarily influenced by a yearning for flexibility. But how do you, as an employee, champion more adaptable working conditions within your organization? Jesse Chambers, CEO at wrkfrc, shares his tips.
Document Your Achievements
First and foremost, showcase the tangible benefits of your remote work. Have you noticed an uptick in productivity since working from home? Or maybe fewer errors in your reports and presentations? Document these achievements. The more you can evidence the advantages of flexible work conditions, the stronger your case will be.
Introduce the Work from Office Day
While complete remote work isn’t feasible for every company, introducing a single, unified day of office attendance, say, ‘Work from Office Wednesday’, can be a win-win. This strategy can enhance team bonding while also offering the flexibility of remote work. And as Chambers points out, it can redefine the corporate workspace for the better.
Go For An Open Dialogue
Open and continuous dialogue is the key. If you desire a more flexible working environment, communicate this to your superiors and HR department. But don’t just state your case; also listen. Understand the organization’s perspective and be prepared to propose middle-ground solutions.
Highlight the Universal Benefits
When presenting your case, emphasize the broader benefits of flexible work environments. Chambers identifies a more profound connection between professional satisfaction and flexibility. When employees are granted the autonomy to design their workdays, they’re often more engaged, productive, and loyal.
Prioritize Written Communication
In a world where remote work is becoming commonplace, written communication’s value cannot be overstated. As Chambers rightly suggests, clear, concise, and effective written communication is akin to gold. Be it emails, reports, or proposals, ensure your writing is stellar. This skill not only enhances remote working efficiency but also demonstrates your capability to work autonomously.
Push for Clear Deliverables
Lastly, align your work around clear goals. Rather than basing your workday on time spent, focus on deliverables. When the metrics for success are clear, and the goals are known, it becomes less about ‘where’ you work and more about ‘what’ you accomplish.
As we adapt to a rapidly evolving professional landscape, flexibility becomes more than a perk—it becomes essential. The tools are there; it’s about implementing them with strategy and confidence.
This article is drawn from an episode of The Remote Show Podcast, a show devoted to all things remote work. Through 1:1 interviews, the podcast delves into the personal journeys of the guests, diving into tips, management concepts, and insights to help today’s remote workers be more productive and fulfilled in work and in life.