Working from home is great in so many ways, particularly in how it adds flexibility to your day. But if you want to do it, you might have a long road convincing your boss. From a management perspective, it isn’t easier. In fact, it’s harder in many ways. Things happen that would never happen in an office – like taking a bubble bath.
That’s what a VA employee in Atlanta did. Not only did he work while taking a bubble bath, but he posted about it on Instagram stories! You can imagine how great this went over, right? Other employees were so upset they contacted the news. Veterans are angered at the lack of care and compassion this indicates. It’s terrible for everyone. And now, this employee’s manager (and HR I’m sure) have to deal with it.
When you open the door to working from home (WFH), you open the door to situations that would never happen onsite. Now, that certainly doesn’t mean they will happen. Most employees would never take a bubble bath while working. But it only takes one employee to cause a big issue. And the problem is this kind of stuff now happens ALL. THE. TIME.
It may frustrate you that your boss isn’t on the WFH bandwagon. But now you can see where they’re coming from. Why should they make their lives more difficult?
The key is to convince your boss of 2 things – productivity and professionalism.
Yes, it absolutely helps for your boss to know how WFH would be good for you. It’s a great way to keep working mothers from leaving the workforce (and helps working dads too). If it would allow you to have breakfast with your children or pursue a hobby you love – communicate those things so your boss knows where you’re coming from and can be more empathetic.
But I’m telling you, if there’s a question mark on productivity and/or professionalism, you probably won’t get to work from home. Those things are that important. Your boss has to know that you’ll be as productive at home as in the office. And that you’ll be just as professional. That you’ll understand that work is work, regardless of where you do it. That even if you hypothetically could get the same amount of work done in a bubble bath, you won’t do it because you know it sends the wrong message.
Your boss has to know that you won’t make life harder. This is where to start.
Photo credit: By Maridav / Canva