Corporate lawyer Emma Heuston has been there and done that.
Seven years ago, she was sitting in her car in Sydney traffic sobbing. Strapped into his car seat in the back, fresh from day-care, was her tired and cranky one-year-old son. He was crying, too. The work/life juggle had become too much.
Six months later, Emma had thrown in her corporate job, packed up her young family and moved to far north New South Wales. Now, after five years working remotely as a partner for a Sydney law firm, she has started her own, helping businesses make the transition to remote and flexible work. She has also shared her story in The Tracksuit Economy - available in hard copy or as an ebook.
But first, a definition. Remote work is just one type of flexible work. Flexible work can be many things.
Image: Credit - The Remote Expert (www.theremoteexpert.com)
While anyone can request flexible or remote work (job circumstances permitting), some workers have a statutory right under the Fair Work Act to request flexible arrangements. If you are over 55, a carer or parent of a child, have a disability, are a victim of domestic violence or care for someone who is a victim of domestic violence, then you have an additional right.
"We have the technology to perform many roles remotely or flexibly," says Emma. "It's more about mindset than technology."
But broaching the idea of a remote work arrangement with your employer is no easy task and you need to be prepared.
1. Assess your position
Research your role and begin developing a remote work proposal. It must be viable to both parties.
2. Define the need
Why do you need/want to work remotely? How will the flexible work arrangements make you do your job better and benefit your organisation?
3. Demolish the obstacles
Anticipate and answer potential arguments against the idea. Will it create extra work for the organisation/your team or require new procedures?
4. Pitch yourself
Formulate a proposal that outlines the benefits - in terms of increased productivity and happiness, smaller office space, etc. Then dig deep and pitch your remote work plan.
In the second part of this series, Emma will discuss the pros and cons of remote work.
Emma is studying a Graduate Certificate in Professional Practice with UNE. She also recently launched her business, The Remote Expert, a law firm specialising in remote and flexible work arrangements, which helps businesses hire team members remotely and flexibly without risk.
