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(CNN) -
Now that some companies are trying to determine exactly how often their employees should be in the office, one thing has become clear: Many workers want flexibility, although asking for a flexible work schedule is probably easier. Now that before the pandemic, it can still be awkward to approach a manager with the request.
Some companies that are adopting a hybrid approach are leaving it up to managers and their teams to find the best balance between remote and face-to-face work.
This means that workers have to make their wishes known.
"[Flexibility] is something really worth asking for," said Vanessa Bohns, associate professor of Organizational Behavior at Cornell University and author of the upcoming book "You Have More Influence Than You Think."
"Most likely what we have in mind about all the awkwardness and awkwardness of how we're going to be judged is over the top. It's probably going to be better than you think. In any case, you need to get over the short-term awkwardness of the conversation because the long-term benefits are so great. "
Did they offer you a job?
There is more to negotiate than salary
Here's how you can have a productive conversation with your boss:
Know your audience
Each company has a different culture.
Some may be purpose-oriented, or emphasize work-life balance, while others may be more customer-centric.
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Identify what is important to your company and incorporate it into your request.
"Come up with a suitable justification that works for the person you're asking and for the organization and its values," says Bohns.
So if you know that your company cares about productivity, suggest saying something like "In the last year I have shown that I can be productive working like this. I can be even more productive because I have uninterrupted work time."
Be clear with your request
Be specific.
More flexibility for you may mean telecommuting three days a week, but for your boss it might mean working from home once a week.
"You should be direct with your request," says Debra Wheatman, founder and president of Careers Done Write.
"You have to be specific with what the need is and how you would like to have more flexibility."
Working from home is working, studies suggest 3:04
Suggesting a trial period of the proposed schedule, such as having a review in three months, may make a manager more willing to accept.
"A trial period allows everyone to see how things are progressing. You don't want to draw a line in the sand," says Wheatman.
"This softens the situation by saying, 'Let's try it,' and that gives the employee the opportunity to deliver amazing results."
Make the request in person (or almost)
If possible, have this conversation in person or via video conference.
Bohns research shows that people are more likely to get what they want when they ask for it in person, but that's not an option for many workers right now.
"Ask for it using the most comprehensive medium possible," says Bohns.
"It is not the type of request that is made by email."
Being able to see the person's response and being able to react and address things as they arise can help create a better social connection and convey authenticity.
"It is more difficult to say no to someone in the moment ... it is very uncomfortable. Managers are also people, they have that discomfort and they are more willing to carry on the conversation than to simply reject you."
Respond to any concerns
Be prepared to address any concerns that might cause a manager to hesitate about your desired work schedule.
"All a manager wants to know is that their employees can do all the work successfully, that they are going to meet and exceed their goals, and that they are going to be as productive as if they were the old way of working," says Stacie Haller, ResumeBuilder Career Expert.
Employees who work from home work for more hours than before the pandemic
Focus on your productivity in the last 18 months with concrete results and successes.
If you know your boss is concerned about maintaining a strong culture and connection, Bohns suggests saying something like, "I know we care about company culture and staying connected, and so I will approach it by basing in this way or introducing myself."
You got a "no" ... now what?
Receiving a "no" does not necessarily mean that you will never be able to work from home.
"Think of this as an ongoing conversation," said Bohns, adding that companies are concerned about retention and may be willing to reevaluate their policies later.
"Even if you get a no, try something like: 'Do you think we can review this in the future?'
... 'Maybe we can see it later?' "
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