Ditch the commute

Welcome to Career Insider. 22 million people work from home in the United States. That’s 14% of all employed adults! That number is expected to increase to 20% by next year.

If you want to be one of those 20%, this email is for you.

WORK FROM HOME
How can I ask my boss if I can work from home?

Asking your boss to let you work from home can be a nerve-racking conversation, but it doesn’t have to be. Here’s what to say.

Here’s a simple and effective email template you can use to get your boss to “okay” you working from home.

Hi [Boss's Name],

I hope you're doing well. I wanted to talk to you about possibly working from home on [specific days or a general schedule, like "a couple of days a week"]. I think it could really help me [mention any specific reasons, like "balance my work and personal life better" or "increase my productivity"].

I've thought about how to make this work without disrupting our team's workflow. I have a reliable setup at home, and I'm confident I can stay connected and available just as I am in the office. I also have some ideas on managing communication and tasks to ensure everything runs smoothly.

Could we discuss this further and see if it's a viable option? I'm open to any feedback or concerns you might have.

Thanks for considering my request!

Best,

[Your Name]

This gets the ball rolling. If your boss says no, that doesn’t necessarily mean the answer will always be no. Things change all the time.

Many organizations may resist letting you work all five days from home, so be open to a hybrid at-home schedule.

Start with only Fridays if you have to. Then, expand from there.

Make the days you work from home your most productive days. Work hard to get more work done during your remote days to show your boss how effective your new working arrangement is.

Then, point to that at-home productivity to argue for more days at home.

SHARE CAREER INSIDER
Did you know we have a referral program?

We released a referral program a couple of weeks ago to reward you for referring subscribers to Career Insider, and the response has been huge. Thank you for helping Career Insider grow.

Refer 3 people to join and you’ll get a free PDF of exact, copy-and-paste email templates to ask your boss for more money.

Refer 10 people and get our founder’s eBook, Big Money, teaching you how to achieve financial freedom faster than you thought possible.

Your personalized referral link is at the bottom of this email.

HOME OFFICES
How to design the perfect home office

Designing a home office that works well for you can greatly improve your productivity and comfort.

Here are five tips to get you started.

1. Find the Right Spot: Pick a quiet place in your home away from distractions. Choose a room with a door to shut out noise and interruptions if possible. Natural light is a huge plus, so try to set it up near a window. It can help keep you awake and boost your mood.

2. Invest in Good Furniture: You’ll spend a lot of time here, so comfort is key. A good ergonomic chair is worth every penny—your back will thank you. Ensure your desk is comfortable and has enough space for your computer, notepads, and whatever else you need to keep handy.

3. Organize Your Space: Clutter can be a real productivity killer. Use shelves, cabinets, and desk organizers to keep everything in its place. A clean, organized space can help you stay focused and feel less stressed. Consider what you use most often and keep those items within easy reach.

4. Personalize Your Office: Make your home office a place you actually enjoy spending time in. Add some personal touches like photos, plants, or artwork. Plants can be especially nice – they improve air quality and add a bit of life to your space. Just make sure whatever you add doesn't become a distraction.

5. Get the Right Tech: Make sure you have all the technology you need to do your job well. A reliable computer, a good internet connection, and other tools specific to your work are crucial. Investing in noise-canceling headphones might also be worth it if you cannot concentrate on background noise. Your employer should provide the computer, but of course, you must provide your own Internet and ensure it’s reliable.

Creating a home office that feels just right is all about balancing comfort, organization, and a bit of personal flair. Take your time setting it up, and don't be afraid to tweak things as you figure out what works best for you!

CLICKS
Career news and insights worthy of your click

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• Top myths that you can safely ignore during your job search.
  

• Ghost jobs don’t exist, and applying for them will waste your time. Here’s how to spot one.
  

• Overconfidence will destroy your career, and here’s why.