Best Way to Ask for Remote Work—Before and After Being Hired was originally published on The Muse, a great place to research companies and careers. Click here to search for great jobs and companies near you.
Is your company still allowing employees to work remotely? While some businesses are sticking with flexible work-from-home policies that became widespread during the COVID pandemic, major companies like Amazon, Dell, PricewaterhouseCoopers, and Salesforce have made headlines in 2024 by reversing remote work policies and embracing return-to-office mandates.
If you’re someone who wants—or needs—to work from home and your employer is asking you to come back to your cubicle, or if you’re interviewing at a company that requires in-office time, you might want to know the best way to ask for remote work.
Whether you’re in the middle of negotiating a job offer or you’re already employed, asking for flexible working arrangements is completely doable. It’s just a matter of understanding how to approach the conversation, present a solid case, and frame it to your employer.
This article will cover how to ask to work from home—both before and after you’ve landed the job.
Remote work: It’s OK to ask for what you need
The pandemic changed the way we view work. Many of us discovered we’re more productive, happier, and have a better work-life balance when working from home. But now, as many businesses revert to in-office work, asking for remote work can feel tricky.
You might be hesitant to ask, worrying that it will hurt your chances of landing or keeping a job. But remember, you’re not wrong for wanting this. Remote work is still a valuable option for millions of people—whether for personal reasons, health concerns, or simply preference.
Your next remote role is out there—check open jobs on The Muse to find your next remote opportunity »
How to ask to work from home during the hiring process
You’ve landed an interview for your dream job, but there’s one red flag—it seems like there’s no flexibility to work remotely. The secret to how to ask for work from home during the hiring process is in your timing and approach.
1. Research the company’s stance on remote work
Before even bringing it up, do your homework. Some companies clearly state their remote work policies in the job posting or on their website. If it’s not mentioned, you’ll need to dig deeper. Check out employee reviews on sites like Glassdoor, or reach out to current or former employees on LinkedIn to get the inside scoop on the company’s culture regarding remote work. If you’re looking at a company on The Muse, you’ll find their remote work options in the “Perks and Benefits” section.
2. Choose the right time to ask
Timing is everything. You don’t want to bring up the topic of remote work too early in the interview process—let the employer get to know you first. When they see that you’re a strong candidate, you’ll have more leverage to discuss your preferences. One of the best ways to ask for remote work is to wait until you’re either in the final stages of interviews or after receiving the job offer. This way, you’re negotiating from a position of strength.
3. Frame it as a win-win
When you ask to work from home, it’s not just about what benefits you—it’s about showing how remote work benefits them, too. Emphasize how working remotely will help you be more productive and focused. You can even tie it to your skills, explaining how the flexibility will allow you to produce better results for the company. It’s all about finding that win-win balance.
“Try to speak in terms of productivity and convenience, not your own comfort,” says Cache Merrill, a founder and CEO of Zibtek, a company that operates with a mix of remote and in-office setups. “Support your stance on how working remotely will help the organization, whether in terms of the office rent being paid or you concentrating better from home.”
Questions to ask about remote work in job interviews
If you’re still unsure about the company’s remote work policies or want to gauge how open they are to flexibility, here are a few questions you can ask:
- “What is the company’s long-term plan for remote work?”
- “Are there specific roles in the company that are eligible for remote work?”
- “What kind of communication tools and processes are in place for remote employees?”
- “Is there a trial period for remote work to assess productivity and collaboration?”
Best way to ask for remote work after you’ve been hired
You’ve already got the job, but now you’re looking for more flexibility. Maybe your company initially offered remote work but is transitioning back to the office, or perhaps remote work was never an option to begin with. Either way, asking to work from home when you’re already employed requires a thoughtful approach.
1. Assess the company’s policy and culture
First, take a look at the company’s current policy on remote work. Is it something they’ve done before? Are there any other employees currently working from home? Have they made any recent changes or announcements about work arrangements? Knowing where your company stands on remote work will help you prepare for the conversation. If remote work isn’t standard but the company has shown flexibility in other areas, you may have a good chance of negotiating.
2. Prepare your case
Before you talk to your boss, have a clear idea of why you want to work from home and how it can benefit the company. For example, if working remotely helps you manage caregiving responsibilities or health issues, make sure to explain that very clearly. But don’t just focus on your needs—outline how remote work will improve your productivity, reduce distractions, or help you better meet your goals.
3. Choose the right time and place
Choose a good moment to have this discussion. Schedule a one-on-one meeting with your boss when things aren’t too busy, and avoid bringing it up during high-stress times. The goal is to have an open and calm conversation, where both you and your manager can fully engage with the topic. If you work in a more horizontal environment, consider talking directly to the HR department.
4. Offer solutions, not demands
No one wants to feel like they’re being cornered, so try offering solutions that meet both your needs and the company’s goals. “Come up with a solution rather than asking for something,” Merrill says.
You might suggest starting with a hybrid model (a mix of in-office and remote work) as a trial period. Show flexibility, and be open to negotiating an arrangement that works for everyone. “Illustrate the advantages that remote working will bring to your position and the organization; perhaps it helps you attend to clients in various regions or enhances your level of performance,” Merrill says.
How to negotiate a remote work arrangement after it’s been taken away
Some companies that offered remote work during the pandemic have done an about-face: Amazon, for example, recently told staff to return to the office five days a week.
In a scenario like this, can you negotiate remote work? “Employees should be encouraged to speak up, more so when they can show how working remotely has been a success foretold,” Merrill says.
If this is happening at your company and you want to keep working remotely, follow these tips on how to negotiate for remote work:
- Highlight past success: Remind your employer of your productivity, teamwork, and overall performance during the remote work period. The more concrete figures and stats you have, the better. Use this as evidence to support why remote work is still a great option.
- Suggest a flexible schedule: If the company insists on moving back to in-office work, suggest a flexible or hybrid arrangement as a compromise.
- Require more benefits: Meeting in the middle in terms of benefits is a viable suggestion if your company is not flexible enough to let you work remotely. Consider asking them to provide transportation and meal vouchers, and/or asking for flexible working hours.
Asking to work from home when it’s a need, not just a want
Sometimes, working remotely isn’t just a preference—it’s a necessity. Whether due to health reasons, caregiving responsibilities, or other personal situations, you may find yourself needing remote work options. If this is the case, you’ll need to approach the conversation with transparency and documentation.
Be honest about your situation, and if possible, provide documentation from a healthcare provider or other professional outlining why remote work is the best option for you. Most employers will be willing to work with you, especially if it’s a matter of accommodation. “More often than not businesses are ready to provide relevant helping tools to individuals with sound rationale,” Merrill says. “Especially if one remains professional.”
Asking your boss to work from home: Examples for different situations
Still feeling intimidated by the thought of that conversation? Use these examples to boost your confidence when asking for remote work—whether it’s before or after being hired.
Example #1: How to ask your boss to work remotely for a short period of time
When asking for short-term remote work (due to travel, personal reasons, or health issues), be direct but considerate. Frame it as a temporary solution that allows you to maintain productivity.
“Due to [reason], I’d like to request to work remotely for [timeframe]. I’ve made sure that I have everything I need to stay productive during this time and will remain fully available for meetings and collaboration.”
Example #2: How to ask to work from home permanently
Start by outlining the benefits of remote work for both you and the company. Be specific about how you’ll manage your workload, stay in communication, and measure success.
“Given the success I’ve had working remotely over the past [period of time], I’d like to discuss making this a permanent arrangement. I’ve found that I’m more productive and better able to meet my goals from home—and I can elaborate with examples.”
Example #3: How to negotiate flexible work hours
A flexible work schedule isn’t the same as full remote work. Flexibility might mean adjusting start and end times or working a compressed week. When negotiating flexible hours, propose a schedule that balances your personal needs and the company’s priorities.
“I’d like to discuss shifting my working hours slightly to better accommodate [reason]. This schedule will allow me to [benefit to company], and I’m happy to make myself available during core business hours for team collaboration.”
Example #4: How to negotiate remote work during an interview
It’s best to wait until you’ve proven yourself as a strong candidate before bringing up remote work during the interview process (here are eight signs that the job interview went well). When you do, explain how remote work will allow you to be more productive, and why it fits your working style.
“Given the nature of my work and my experience working remotely, I believe I can bring more value to the company by focusing on results from home.”
Example #5: How to negotiate working remotely in a job offer
Once you’ve received an offer, the company is more likely to be flexible. At this stage, clearly outline how working remotely will benefit both you and the company.
“Thank you for the offer. I’m eager to join the team and believe that working remotely would allow me to be even more productive. I’d like to discuss the possibility of a remote or hybrid arrangement.”
Example #6: How to write an email requesting work from home
Be direct but positive. Frame your request in terms of benefits to the company, and phrase your request as a conversation, not a demand.
“Subject: Request to discuss remote work arrangement
Hi [Manager’s Name],
I’d like to discuss the possibility of working from home [full-time/part-time]. I believe this arrangement would allow me to be more productive and better manage my responsibilities. I’d love to schedule a time to discuss this further.”
What if your remote-work request is denied?
It can be disappointing if your request for remote work is turned down, but it’s important to align your priorities. “If the upper hierarchy does not bend, then looking for a compromise solution in the form of partial presence or a gradual exit may be a way out,” Merrill says.
If remote work is something you absolutely need or prefer, there are plenty of remote opportunities out there (find them on The Muse, hi!). However, if your goal is to climb the traditional corporate ladder in your current company, you may need to stay flexible. Many organizations still view in-office work as essential to team culture, collaboration, and career growth.
Bottom line
Asking for remote work—whether before or after being hired—doesn’t have to be intimidating. With the right research, timing, and approach, you can successfully negotiate a flexible arrangement that works for both you and your employer. Just remember to be clear, confident, and considerate in your request, and always frame it as a win-win.
FAQs
How to negotiate salary for a remote position?
Don’t assume that working from home means you should accept a lower salary. Focus on the value you bring. You can mention savings in commute or office costs, but frame the conversation around the impact of your work.
For example: “I’m excited about this opportunity and the value I’ll bring. Based on my experience and the market for this role, I’d like to discuss a salary of [desired amount].”
How do I convince my employer to allow remote work?
Prepare a solid case for how remote work will benefit both you and the company. Offer a trial period if necessary. For example: “I believe that working remotely would allow me to contribute even more effectively. Would you be open to a trial period to see how it works?”
How do you write a letter asking for a remote job?
When writing a letter or email asking for remote work, focus on why it makes you a better candidate. Highlight any previous experience working remotely and explain how you’ll be productive outside the office.