As summer approaches, juggling work and family commitments can become challenging for working parents. Fortunately, many employers understand the importance of work-life balance and are open to granting flexible schedules, especially during the summer break. 

If you’re considering asking your boss for flexibility during this time, this blog post guides you through the process.

• Schedule a Live Conversation: Email templates are prone to misinterpretation. Request a meeting with your boss to discuss accommodations  for a flexible work schedule. This allows you to articulate your intentions clearly without any possible misunderstanding.

• Emphasize Your Continued Commitment: Make it clear to your boss that your request for a flexible summer schedule does not diminish your commitment to your role and the organization. Reiterate that you will remain the same dedicated employee and assure them that it won’t impact your productivity.

• Explain the Benefits: Clearly articulate how a flexible summer schedule will help you become a better employee. Highlight the positive impact it will have on your work-life balance and stress management. Explain how this flexibility will allow you to be more focused, energized, and productive.

• Specify the Time Frame: Clearly communicate the timeframe for which you are requesting a flexible schedule. Provide a clear timeline to manage expectations and ensure transparency, whether it’s the entire summer break or a specific duration.

• Be Specific about Your Needs: Specify the type of flexibility you are seeking, such as adjustments in hours, location, or culture. Here are some examples:
  • Hours: If you need to shorten your work hours, suggest a specific schedule, such as working from 7 am to 4 pm during the summer. Provide a valid reason, such as the limited availability of childcare until 3 pm, and assure your boss that you will complete your tasks within the revised schedule.
  • Reduced Weekly Hours: If reduced hours are necessary, propose working 30 hours instead of the standard 40 hours and be prepared to negotiate an adjustment to your salary.
  • Four-Day Work Week: Discuss the option of a compressed work week, where you work four longer days instead of five. Explain how this condensed schedule can enhance your focus and efficiency while maintaining productivity.
  • Location: If applicable, express your interest in working from home or adopting a hybrid work model during the summer. Highlight the advantages, such as eliminating commuting time and the potential for increased productivity in a more flexible environment.
  • Culture: Share specific instances where flexibility will help you balance work and personal commitments, such as taking a lunch break from 10-11 am to accommodate picking up your child from football practices. 

• Demonstrate Project and Task Management: Assure your boss that your projects and tasks will be managed effectively despite the flexible schedule. Present a well-thought-out plan that shows how you will meet deadlines, maintain communication, and collaborate seamlessly. Provide examples of successfully completing work remotely in the past to reinforce your ability to deliver results in non-traditional work settings.

Asking for flexibility during the summer break can be a significant step towards achieving a better work-life balance. By following the strategies outlined in this blog, you can confidently approach your boss and increase the likelihood of a positive outcome.

Remember, the key is approaching the conversation with professionalism, preparation, and a genuine desire to find a solution that benefits you and the organization. With these strategies, you are equipped to navigate the conversation confidently and increase the chances of securing the flexibility you need for a fulfilling summer break.

We’re rooting for you! 💙

Every opportunity on our job board has at least one of the flexibility components from above. If you seek an employer who sees you and values you, join Boulo to find your next job.