Working remotely has emerged as one of the benefits workers value most in employment, especially in achieving work-life balance. A Morning Consult survey revealed that 87% of respondents want some form of remote work and almost 50% will consider leaving a role without access to at least partial virtual work. The new work-life integration is having a significant impact on the future of the workplace. But one mistake I see job seekers make is limiting their search criteria specifically to “remote” opportunities. Don’t narrow your search. Apply for the position that resonates with you, get to the interview, secure the offer, then negotiate remote work as a win-win situation for you and your employer. Here are a few guidelines:
- Approach negotiation as a win-win for both you and your prospective employer. Share public research that proves individuals perform at their best when they are not constrained by time or location.
- Leverage the specific impact you can make by working remotely versus commuting to an office.
- Use remote work to negotiate your overall compensation package. Know what benefits you’re willing to bend on to get to the bigger win.
- If the prospective employer has no existing remote work policy you may be breaking new ground so be patient. Don’t expect a one-and-done conversation.
About Garrison Leykam, PhD:
- Certified Business Coach (Expert Level)
- Certified Remote Work Professional
- Certified Professional Career Coach (CPCC)
- Certified Professional, Résumé Writer (CPRW)
- Certified Employment Interview Professional (CEIP)
- Certified Life Coach (Expert Level)
- PhD Marketing, MA Psychology
- LinkedIn profile in Top 25 MA, PhD profiles in U.S.
- Top 1% LinkedIn Industry Social Selling Index
- Author, Audacious at Any Age and Design You