Negotiating A Flexible Work Arrangement

Every working professional should have the right to take time off, free from the pressures of work, but doing so requires some savvy planning with your supervisors and colleagues when you are gone. As you consider planning summer vacations or month-long sabbaticals, Promotional Consultant Today shares these tips on what to go over with your supervisor if you are considering time off.

Determine the changes in schedule or job functions.

Specify a specific leave period (start date and end date).

Figure out coverage. Who will cover for you while you are gone? Will your work be divided up among colleagues and are they aware?

Create hand-off notes. Prepare your notes and work procedures for your replacement.

Establish boundaries and access. Will you be available for consultation? How much contact are you willing to have during your leave?

Plan your re-integration and return. Design a plan for your return, such as changes in job function, reduced hours, etc.

Consider telecommuting and working from home or at a location closer to home. Present a clear plan of action to your supervisor about how you see this arrangement benefiting you and your company. Will you be able to make regular conference calls to check-in with your colleagues and with your supervisor? Will you be able to drop-in on occasion if the project calls for it, or if you need to see clients?

Maintain clarity, definition and be resolute in your personal choices. An injection of optimism and approaching your colleagues with amiable professionalism will dramatically increase your chances of getting the schedule that works best for you.

Source: Dr. Farzanna Haffizulla is a speaker and expert in work/life balance. Her book, Harmony of the Spheres, offers methods to streamline workloads, solve interpersonal workplace issues and offers practical advice on integrating work and home life. In addition, she runs the websites BusyMomMD, an informative site for modern, educated women juggling career, family and community life, and HouseCallsMD, providing a portal to better healthcare.