July 28, 2006 3:00 PM

How to pitch a flexible work schedule
Posted by at 3:00 PM

Though nearly 80% of employees say they would like more flexibility in their work schedules, most don't fare very well when it comes time to sell the idea to the boss. If you think you're one of these folks, take a look at this article by Tory Johnson that outlines steps you can take toward achieving your work/life balance goals.

Before you knock on the boss' door, you have to do your homework. Look at policies and protocol within your company. Talk to people you work with who telecommute and find out what worked for them. Sometimes your boss will be more receptive if he knows that other departments or other companies — especially competitors — are doing the same thing.

Talk to peers and friends in your industry and even your neighborhood to learn about policies in their companies. Employers competing for talent want to know that their policies are comparable to their competitors or they risk losing good people.