Significant changes to flexible working have been made, and more are on the horizon. In this conversation with Laurie Macpherson, we discuss how to ask for flexible working, as the situation is constantly changing. Laurie is an experienced career coach and “wing woman” who helps smart women find jobs they love and deserve, often with an emphasis on flexibility. She understands that the job market is constantly changing and that flexible working options are increasingly important for many individuals.
Laurie’s first step is understanding their specific needs and preferences when working with clients. This includes understanding their preferred work location, schedule, work frequency, and the amount of work they are seeking. With this information, she can help her clients find job opportunities that align with their needs and preferences. Laurie will share her knowledge and expertise on how to effectively request flexible working options during the job search process, helping individuals find a career that fits their lifestyle and priorities. Stay tuned…
And don’t forget to check out some of the flexible working options in our guide available here.
Was this conversation helpful? Then, don’t forget to check out our LinkedIn Live replay with Laurie, where she offers her expert advice on what makes a job interview successful in our free interview masterclass. Watch here.
Key Highlights
[00:00:00] Introduction to today’s guest and topic
[00:01:18] What is flexible working?
[00:03:54] What has changed since COVID, and what opportunities exist?
[00:05:21] Why should companies embrace flexible working?
[00:07:13] Current legislation around flexible working
[00:08:26] How can you ask for flexible working in a way more likely to be accepted and said yes to?
[00:15:02] Is it easier to ask for flexible working post-pandemic?
[00:16:22] Q & A session:
- When is a good time to ask for flexible work during the interview?
- What can I do to expand my flexible working options with a company? And what can they do to meet you in the middle?
- How can I ask for flexible working after working remotely for 6 months?
[00:27:51] How to connect with Laurie to learn about her services
Notable Quotes
- When considering flexible working options, it’s important to determine what you truly want. Do you prefer to work in an office with some flexibility in your schedule, or do you prefer to work primarily from home but have the option to go into an office sometimes? Knowing this can open up job opportunities that may not be in your immediate area.
- Companies that do not offer flexible working options may miss out on talented individuals who may not want to commit to a traditional Monday to Friday, 9 to 5 schedule.
- First, get clear and confident about what you want, and then ask for it in a win-win way.
- Flexible working options can greatly benefit minority groups, women, and individuals with disabilities. These groups are disproportionately affected by a lack of flexible working options.
- If you’re willing to go out tomorrow and do any odd job, any odd hours, you’ll get a job that’s not in question. But if you only want a specific job, it will narrow your options.
- Flexible working generally benefits people as it allows them to live their lives. Therefore, it’s important to separate the argument that it’s the employer’s business what an employee does in their time off and instead focus on how they work while they are with the employer.
- It may be a little harder to acquire your first client, but it will likely be someone from your network. Therefore, reaching out to your network and informing them of what services you can offer is a good strategy.
Resources:
Investing in Women Flexible Working Job Board and Recruitment Website: Investing in Women
To connect with Liz:
Facebook: Facebook
LinkedIn: LinkedIn
To connect with Laurie:
LinkedIn: LinkedIn
Facebook: Facebook