Check the Company Policy
Check the company’s policy on flexible schedules, remote work, and part-time work options. A few minutes of research on the company’s website or internal network may uncover information that helps you feel confident in your decision and prepares you for the conversation with your manager.
Prepare a Strong Case
This is where preparation becomes very useful. This is not a fleeting request, so you’ll want to think ahead about how this will work. You may also want to prepare some written proposals. Things you may want to include (which your manager will likely be eager to discuss) are:
- Hours: How many hours do you want to work? And how would you like your schedule to look? Perhaps you want to work half a day from Monday to Friday, or maybe you want to work just three days a week. Know what you want and where you are willing to negotiate if one of the options is preferable to the company. Note that there are no legal principles defining who is considered a part-time employee. It’s up to the employer’s discretion.
- Availability: How will you handle important meetings that happen when you are unavailable or urgent situations that arise during your off day? Think about what’s reasonable and what will work best for the company.
- Projects and workload: Even the most capable person can’t do 40 hours of work in 20 hours. No amount of efficiency can make that possible. So think about any projects that might get assigned to someone else. Try to keep your manager’s and the company’s needs in mind here. If a task needs daily attention, it’s likely not suitable for a part-time employee.
Sample Proposal Review
Here is a sample proposal requesting part-time work. It includes a justification for why changing the employment status is feasible and how the employee’s workload will be managed if the request is approved.
Be Prepared to Address Potential Pain Points
There may be potential benefits for the company when an employee transitions to part-time work: they may be able to save on wages and benefits, for example. But it’s possible your manager or the company will find your request difficult to approve. Managers may worry that others will also request part-time work, or that there will be too much work for other employees as a result, or that productivity will decline, or that you won’t be available when needed. Do your best to anticipate concerns and think of potential solutions. For instance, do you have a junior employee who wants more responsibility? This person might be happy to be your out-of-office contact, and you can present this to your manager as a good training opportunity. Or perhaps the company already has Fridays as work-from-home days, when everyone catches up on big projects and no major meetings are scheduled. This would be ideal as an off day for a part-time employee.
Don’t Surprise Your Manager
You will want to have a personal conversation with your manager about part-time work. A good option is to schedule a meeting and let your manager know in advance what you would like to discuss. A sudden big request may make your manager feel cautious and result in a negative reaction. Additionally, you’re likely to have a more thoughtful conversation if your manager is prepared in advance.
Briefly Explain Why You Want to Work Part-Time
You don’t have to share every detail about why you want to work part-time. It may be too personal, or you may not have that kind of relationship with your manager. Sharing some information, however, may build the relationship and help your manager empathize with you.
Proposal
Trial Period
A trial period can be beneficial for both you and the company. Finding challenges is natural when shifting from working 40 hours a week to much less. You may find that working three days a week isn’t enough. Or you might discover that you need to set stricter rules about when it’s acceptable for anyone to reach out to you during your off-time.
Be Prepared to Negotiate
In an ideal world, you will present a proposal, and your manager will agree to your plan. However, your manager may require significant adjustments to your proposal. Your manager or the company may not agree at all. Regardless of the response, maintain your professionalism. You may find it helpful to discuss other options as well. If working part-time isn’t feasible, what about working from home two days a week? Or reducing responsibilities? When entering a conversation with your manager, you’ll want to prepare for a wide range of possible outcomes.
Take Key Points
Before asking to work part-time, check how it will affect your salary, vacation time, and other company benefits.
Have a plan. It will be easier to sell if you have a plan with options for transitioning to part-time work.
Request a meeting. Schedule a meeting to request a change in employment status with your manager in person.
Be flexible. Be prepared to negotiate an arrangement that works for both you and the employer.
Source: https://www.thebalancemoney.com/how-to-ask-to-make-your-job-part-time-4787997
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