Traditional working hours are changing. Not only is it becoming more common for employers to offer flexible work schedules, but many are discovering the benefits, both financially and in terms of productivity, of having a part-time or flexible workforce.
Though it doesn't work for every company or boss, if you find yourself in a position where it's that or quit, it's worth bringing up — especially if you can show you're capable of taking care of your responsibilities in less time. Below, seven coaches from Forbes Coaches Council tell you how to strategize before broaching the subject with your employer.
Clockwise from top left: Ariel Lopez, Wendi Weiner, Dr. Cherry Collier, Jen Kelchner, Kelly Azevedo, Pat Rigsby, Emily Kapit. All photos courtesy of the members.
1. Offer a Solution to a Problem
Employers love problem solvers. Schedule some time to meet with your employer to figure out what their biggest challenge is and come up with a game plan to solve it. Map out everything that you've accomplished during your tenure as a part-time employee and list out what you bring to the table specifically. Have a follow-up conversation explaining your value and how you can be an asset to the company. — Ariel Lopez, 2020Shift
2. Show You Are the Right Person for the Job
You can demonstrate your value to a prospective employer through your willingness to get the job done and showing that you are the right person for the job. While the position may be full time, perhaps your enthusiasm, focused time management, and stellar interpersonal skills allow you to do full-time work in more efficient time-saving ways. Be the solution the employer needs and you will win. — Wendi Weiner, JD, NCRW, CPRW, CCM, The Writing Guru
3. Show a Full-Time Value Despite Your Part-Time Schedule
As an organizational psychologist and as a coach for job searchers, what I advise job seekers who are under this circumstance is to do everything at 100 percent, as if they want to work full time. In other words, show your skills as if you could offer the company a full-time value despite your part-time schedule. Showing how the company would save money for a reduced labor cost would also work. — Dr. Cherry Collier, Personality Matters, INC.
4. Reframe the Opportunity as a Win-Win for Both of You
Instead of leading with the "why you can't," bring the "why you can" to the table. Showcasing a plan that allows you to work smarter versus harder is a win for the employer. Especially if you can fill a need that keeps productivity up and saves them on other costs related to labor. Show your ingenuity and innovation to reframe the opportunity as a win-win for both of you. — Jen Kelchner, Kelchner Advisory
5. Prove You're Invaluable and Efficient
Few positions these days actually require full-time hours, especially when someone is focused and efficient in their work. If you're looking at a position that's full time but can only give part time hours show the hiring manager that you're more efficient than anyone else they can hire. They'll get results faster, making you an invaluable part of the team. — Kelly Azevedo, She's Got Systems
6. Focus on Results
What does the employer want? If it's a results-based position, demonstrate how you can deliver the outcome the employer is looking for while reducing their labor costs. They get the production they're seeking from the position with less of an investment. — Pat Rigsby, PatRigsby.com
7. Present a Solid Plan
Identify your average weekly availability to work (including "normal" work hours and availability during weeknights/weekends). With some flexibility on hours and good time management, you can work closer to full-time hours while still maximizing time for the rest of your life (family, school, etc.). Be prepared with a plan to show how your background and flexibility is a recipe for success. — Emily Kapit, MS, MRW, ACRW, CPRW, ReFresh Your Step, LLC
