Summers can be challenging for working moms. The kids are out of school, the weather’s nice, and everything around is not exactly conducive to being stuck in the office all day long. I mean, let’s be real…
For many, if not most, the solution is to ask for a flexible schedule in the summer. Whether’s it’s working from home one (or a few) days aweek, compressing your hours into four (4) days instead of five (5), or shifting your schedule in a way that aligns with your family and personal life, being more flexible schedule-wise in the summer is always a plus.
Think about it: a flex schedule can not only make your life much easier in the summer, especially when it comes to picking up your kids early from camp (or just keep them entertained), or being able to enjoy more summer activities with your family. But it can also get you out of what I call that “summer office funk“, you know, when your productivity dips below sea level because your mind (and your body) just ain’t trying to be there…
But I know what you’re thinking…You may have thought about it before, and just vaguely dismissed it because you thought it wouldn’t be possible. Or that it wouldn’t really work for you or the type of work you’re doing…Well, think again…
While there definitely are instances (and jobs) where a flex schedule is not welcome or encouraged, or even practical at all, there are times when you can argue your flex schedule case and…win! I was in such a case once, and a fellow corporate sister at the time encouraged me to do the ask. I did, and it worked! So from me to you, here are a few steps you can take to ask to flex your schedule this summer:
Identify Your Schedule Priorities
Start by pinpointing your schedule priorities. What’s most important to you when it comes to your schedule? What schedule adjustments would make your life more stress-free and easier to manage?
Whether it’s fitting in some workout time, or even just saving some space in your schedule to get that side hustle off the ground, identifying your schedule priorities is key!
After my daughter was born in the summer a few years back, it was important for me to have Fridays as work-from-home days to spend more time with her. Besides, being able to do laundry while on conference calls also helps!
Find out and Understand What’s Appropriate to Ask for
After you’ve identified what your scheduling priorities are, now let’s consider your company culture. Understanding the various types of flexibility allowed by your workplace is paramount to making the right ask.
Start with your employee handbook in case there are some ground rules you need to know about. You can also ask around to other working moms (and dads) who may have used or are still using flextime in the summer. The point is to check what’s practicable and what’s not in your specific professional environment.
For me, it was a matter of asking around after my daughter was born. I got great feedback from the other working moms, which allowed me to present a better case for my own flex schedule. Which brings me to…
Present Your Case Smartly
The smarter you are about how you present your case when asking for flextime in the summer (or anytime really), the better! Remember that you must be able to demonstrate that a more flexible arrangement will not impede your productivity, and may even make you more productive…
So present your case in a way that shows the positives a flex schedule would have on your work first. You can cite reasons such as increased work-life balance, or the fact that you’d be available at any time of the workday….
Also consider offering a couple of flex schedule alternatives instead of just one. This way, you’re giving more choice to your employer while showing that you’re willing to be flexible. No pun intended…
Try It First
Set up a trial period with your employer to demonstrate that this new schedule will not reflect poorly on your performance. Set some goals with your manager, and work to reach them during this trial period.
The point is to demonstrate to your employer that you’re trustworthy, and are able to maintain your performance while on an adjusted schedule.
Don’t Drop the Communication
One of the most important aspects of striving on a flex schedule is maintaining the communication. After all, you’re not there in the office to communicate with your boss or team directly.
So make sure to keep your manager and team abreast of your progress. Also keep your involvement up via email and phone discussions. This is not a case of “far from the eyes, far from the mind”…
What’s your take on asking for flex time in the summer?
To Your Success,
The Corporate Sis
