Use the following tips to help you approach your supervisor with a proposal for a flexible work arrangement (FWA):

• Set an appointment with your supervisor to present and discuss your proposal. Be prepared as you would be for an important job interview or business presentation.


• A written proposal such as the Flexible Work Arrangement Agreement Form is important when you present your case to your supervisor. It provides concrete information to help a supervisor understand what changes you are requesting in your work schedule.


• Figure out how your FWA is a benefit to the department and come prepared to share that with your supervisor.


• Find someone you know who is doing a successful FWA and learn how they approached their supervisor.

How to Prepare for Objections

• Prepare and practice your replies. A role-play session with a friend or a supportive co-worker can be a very useful exercise.


• To get you started thinking about what to expect, be prepared with responses to common objections. Some examples of common objections are:
  
  

  "We've never done this before."
  "It's not our policy."
  "If I let you do it, everyone else will want to do the same."