5 Ways To Sell Flex Time To Your Employer

According to the 2012 Nonprofit Organizations Benefits Report, flex time was one the more popular perks offered to employees. With many people feeling the squeeze from the dual responsibilities of work and home, it's easy to see why flexible start and end hours are popular among workers.

Nearly 50 percent of employers offered flex time to employees last year according to the report, but that still leaves a good percentage of nonprofits that don't. That doesn't mean you shouldn't advocate for it to your boss. If you're one of the many employees who want a flexible schedule, here are some ways to convince your superiors that it's a good idea.

• Assess the Environment: See if anybody else in the office has been offered a flexible arrangement. If nobody else has, talk to them and see if they would be interested in such a program. You should then head to your HR department and see if flex time is even offered as a benefit. If it isn't, you can advocate for it based on its popularity in the office.
• Assess Your Needs: Flex time benefits come in many different forms. This includes flexible start and/or end times or telecommuting. Based on your personal situation, figure out which is right for you. Your work habits also need to be considered, as you are not likely to be offered flex time if you are not performing with a regular schedule.
• See Things From the Employer's Eyes: A good way to advocate for flex time is to position your argument as one that benefits the nonprofit through increased productivity or other cost savings. For example, the organization could actually benefit for having a compressed work week if provides added coverage at a time when it is desperately needed.
• Create a Proposal: Write a formal document explaining your proposal and schedule a meeting with your boss. Be prepared to explain how you will accomplish all your work if given flex time, and outline why it won't make things more difficult for the organization's mission.
• Be Flexible: Flexibility from the organization requires the same from the employee. Be willing to make necessary accommodations for the employer if it is needed.