You know you don’t want to return to the old way of working, but you also know that working at home isn’t the best way to work either. Working in a shared workspace is the ideal work situation, but if the cost of a membership is keeping you from being able to experience all that coworking has to offer we have some tips to get your employer to cover that membership! Check out these ideas that will get your employer to say ‘yes’ to making your remote work situation permanent and to covering the cost of a coworking membership as a benefit.
If you’re finding yourself easily distracted while working from home, you are not alone. As we discussed in a previous newsletter, coworking is a great option between working in the office or working from home. The price of a membership may be a hindrance for you personally, but consider discussing with your employer how your company should cover the cost of your membership. It may seem like a big ask, but it’s really not, especially if your company got rid of its office entirely, which saves them thousands of dollars in utilities, rent or mortgage payments each month.
If you are going to ask for your employer to cover your coworking membership, keep these tips in mind:
Consider Your Angle
Before you approach your company about paying for your coworking membership, make sure you know what you want, whether that be a hybrid situation where you spend some days in the office and some in a coworking space (we have part-time memberships that would be ideal for this), or fully remote with a full-time coworking membership. Then carefully consider what angle will make an impression with your employer. If your company is one of the many beginning to prioritize mental health, you might demonstrate how coworking can create a sense of community and mitigate solitude. If they require or ask employees to pursue professional development and continuing education, then highlight the educational opportunities such as learning events and workshops that the coworking space hosts. You know your company best, so there’s no one-size-fits-all approach to having this conversation. Just discuss what points will be most compelling for you and your company.
Find the Time
Start the conversation early while your supervisor is planning the logistics on how and when to bring colleagues back to work. Also, make sure you schedule a meeting for the discussion and get it on your calendars so you can be sure it is taken seriously. This is similar to a promotion or pay raise so don’t spring it at the end of your weekly meeting or immediately after an announcement is made that your office will be fully remote indefinitely. Begin the conversation with your direct manager, allow them time to discuss your needs with their supervisors, and be sure to send a follow-up email thanking them for their time and amenability regarding the expense.
Be Prepared
Be confident in your pitch. During your meeting, have your at-home productivity stats and data ready to share if you’ve already been remote. Use whichever angle you have decided will make the most sense to your company. Be sure to demonstrate why and how working remotely or in a coworking space will benefit the company. Consider the concerns your employer may have and be prepared to answer them.
If you need additional ideas on why a remote office benefits your employer, consider:
Finally,
Remember, this new work model is likely new for everyone. Maintain focus on how the remote/hybrid schedule is better for the company. If you don’t hear anything in a couple weeks, don’t be afraid to politely ask for an update. You may not get a ‘yes’ on the first try, but have patience and continue to prove your value and ability to excel and tackle big projects. You may even want to suggest a trial period to test out the remote working plan to show that it’s feasible. Hub:868 Shared Workspace works on month-to-month memberships so it’s easy to try!
