What is the recommended tactic for negotiating schedule control with a mid-sized firm that does not explicitly advertise flexibility?
Proposing a 90-day trial period where a specific schedule (e.g., 7 AM to 3 PM) is adopted, with a commitment to meet or exceed all performance metrics.
For employers who are hesitant about flexibility, the most effective strategy is to shift the conversation from perceived risk to measurable outcome. Instead of simply requesting a change, the job seeker should propose a trial period, often suggested as 90 days. During this trial, the employee commits to operating on a specific non-standard schedule while simultaneously guaranteeing the delivery or exceeding of all established performance metrics. This approach allows the employer to assess the results of the new schedule objectively, demonstrating that the proposed output will be maintained or improved, which directly addresses concerns about potential slackening of effort.
