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Today, most companies operate on a 9 to 5 or 9 to 6 schedule. However, this standard schedule doesn't always work for every employee. You may find yourself wanting to ask for a different schedule for a wide range of reasons. Here is how you can approach this conversation with your manager. A transcript of the video can be found below.
Hi! I’m Emily with Vault and I’m here today to help you talk to your boss about your work schedule.
Today, most companies operate on a 9 to 5 or 9 to 6 schedule. But just because your company operates on a standard schedule doesn’t mean you can’t ask for something different. Remember, it’s always important to advocate for yourself in the workplace.
The reasons for wanting a different schedule can range from school pick-up times to being neurodivergent.
Here’s how you can approach this conversation with your manager when you begin a new job.
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Manager: Welcome to the company! We’re excited for you to get started.
Emily: Thank you! I’m excited to get started as well. Before we get started, I wanted to discuss my schedule with you.
Manager: Okay! What did you want to discuss about your schedule?
Emily: I understand that employees are required to work from 9 am to 5pm; however, I want to see if there is any flexibility in these hours. During my academic career as well as during my internships, I learned that I work best early in the morning. I wake up at 5 am every morning to go to the gym and after that I’m motivated and ready to start my day. Would it be possible for me to work earlier than 9am and therefore end my day earlier than 5pm? I think this would help my productivity and allow me to present my best work.
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If your request is related to being neurodivergent, consider how much you want to tell your supervisor at the beginning of your employment. If you aren’t comfortable disclosing your mental health history, that’s okay, because you aren’t required to express something so personal right off the bat. You are free to disclose as much, or as little, as you feel comfortable.
After that, the decision is up to your supervisor. They may be able to change the days you work, the hours you work, or even where you work. But keep in mind that a change in schedule isn’t guaranteed. Sometimes it’s crucial for employees to work during normal business hours, and not every company is as flexible as the next.
For more career advice, check out vault.com.
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