Explain how the company will benefit
Employees who work from home are more productive, because they're less distracted by office antics, lunch breaks, meetings and commutes. Employees are half as likely to quit when they have the option to work from home because of a higher satisfaction with their work-life balance.
Employers may refuse the request only on reasonable business grounds. If the employer refuses the request, the written response must include the reasons for the refusal.
Don't spring your request on your manager in passing or even in an email. If you check-in regularly and have the time, bring it up then. If you don't, request a meeting. To avoid immediate rejection, don't say ahead of time that you want to discuss working remotely.
When declining a request, it's best to do it in person if possible. Explain to the employee why the business cannot accommodate the request based on the business grounds you identified. Then mutually discuss when might be an alternative time to take the leave.
Working remotely can reduce stress
Study after study shows that those who work at home have lower stress levels than workers in office environments. For starters, you won't need to deal with any aggravating office politics and drama.
You can complete more work tasks and assignments.
And a 2021 survey of remote workers found that 6 in 10 reported they're more productive working from home than they expected to be because they don't have the commute and may be getting a better night's sleep.
Businesses can allow staff to work from home at their discretion. There are guidelines for businesses with a worker who tests positive to COVID-19. While safety plans are no longer mandatory, they are strongly encouraged for NSW businesses.
They're afraid that the skills and knowledge that an employee would gain from working in an office will not transfer to working from home, which could lead to quality problems and mistakes being made. It's true: when you're in an office all day, you end up only interacting with the people who are there.
Ideally, when you have the conversation, use a communication vehicle that has video in addition to audio. With the addition of the video, your facial expressions will help convey your positive intentions. If you're relegated to the phone, you'll have to convey your openness with just your words and tone.
Provide opportunities for remote social interaction: One of the most essential steps a manager can take is to structure ways for employees to interact socially (that is, have informal conversations about non-work topics) while working remotely.
Work-from-home etiquette refers to a set of standards, norms, and expectations that remote and hybrid workers must follow to maintain a healthy and productive remote work environment.
Add in the lack of a commute, and remote workers typically have more time and fewer distractions, which leads to increased productivity—a huge benefit of working from home for both employees and employers alike. When done right, remote work allows employees and companies to focus on what really matters—performance.
Remote working ability really makes people happier
While 81% of respondents said the opportunity to work from home would make them feel more equipped to deal with work/life conflicts. Remote workers are 22% happier with their jobs than on-site workers.
Your productivity skyrockets when working in an environment that has decreased distractions. Working from home gives you the space to think critically and perform better. You're thrilled with the prospect of working for a company you admire without being limited by your geographical location.
Keep your response simple and clear. Often all that's required is something like this: 'Thank you for thinking of me, but I can't make it I'm sorry. ' Most people won't ask any further questions – and if they do, you can consider how to respond then.