The year is 2020. 


Your whole team is struggling to transition to remote working. You’re all wondering if this is going to work, how long this is going to last, and whether you’ll be using Zoom or Google Meet (as if you know the difference between the two).


Fast-forward to 2021. 


It wasn’t that bad at all. In fact, working from home was better than you could have imagined. 


No commute stress. No wasted money on parking, food, and gas--to name a few things. Increased flexibility. Spending more time around family, and even working with your pet by your desk. 


When combined, the benefits of working from home had you thinking about making home your permanent workspace. Which begs the question:


What if you don’t want to go back to the office? Is there a way you can convince your boss to make you a full-time at-home worker? 


The answer is yes. And here’s what you need to know before making the leap. 


Know Your Rights as an Employee


As an employee, you may be entitled to request working from home under certain circumstances. If you’re living in Australia, you’re legally eligible to work from home in the following cases: 


  • You have a disability that qualifies you for a disability support pension (under the Social Security Act 1991).


  • Are 55 or older.


  • Are the parent or are responsible for a child who’s school-aged or younger.



There will always be other criteria that may apply to you based on the state you live in so check with a human resources or employment law professional to know exactly what you can negotiate. 


Keep in mind that, even if you don’t fit the above requirements, you may still request work flexibility. However, your employer could deny it without suffering any legal penalties. 

Draft a Remote Working Plan

The best way to show your boss you mean business is by having a remote working plan in hand. Yes, even before it’s requested from you. This will show self sufficiency and motivation, two key attributes to successfully working away from your team and boss. 


This plan should include:


  • Your contact information, making it easy for your boss to reach you anywhere, anytime.

 

  • Whether you plan working from home full-time or part-time. In the latter case, specify. 


  • How you’ll submit your work, as well as expected completion dates. 


  • The software you’ll use for meetings, as well as the material needed to make those meetings successful,

  • How you intend to communicate at other times, and when you will be available - these boundaries are important for everyone so you don’t end up working more than you should


In the case of an agreement, further adjustments may be needed. In the beginning, however, all you need is to show up prepared for the conversation. 

Focus on the Benefits for Your Employer


A lot of the time, employers want to know what’s in it for them. Now, you have the answers. 


There are several reasons why large companies are transitioning to remote working. And by “large”, we mean Facebook large. 


The number one reason for the transition is: they’re saving big. A recent study by Global Workplace Analytics suggests that employers can save around $11,000 a year. That’s for every person who works remotely half of the time.


After moving his company to a remote-first policy, Coinbase CEO Brian Armstrong explained his reasoning: 


"Over the last two months, I have come to believe that not only is remote work here to stay, but that it represents a huge opportunity and strategic advantage for us." 


If the change has proven beneficial for companies of that caliber, imagine what it could do to yours. 

Not Least of All: Overdeliver on Your Work -- Constantly


If remote working becomes a reality in your company (especially if your boss is hesitant about the transition), that means you’ll need to strive to overdeliver. 


By overdelivering on your work, attending meetings on time, showing availability, and maintaining a good work ethic, you’ll not only be able to work from the comfort of your home. You’ll also prove that the change benefits the company as a whole. Think about that.