QUESTION:  How to Position a Part-Time Schedule? 

Dear Merry,

I am a VP of Human Resources reporting into the Senior VP of HR.  I am just back to work after having my second child and I would like to work part time, but nobody at my level in this company has a part-time position.  Should I simply look for work elsewhere - at another company where there is support for my family lifestyle? 

RESPONSE:  Present a Complete Business Case

Dear Executive,

I suggest you let go of the "either/or" mindset and pursue both the possibility of part-time work at your current company, as well as options at more family friendly corporations.

Come up with a plan within your own company to make the part-time working arrangement viable for both you and the organization.  My suggestions:

1)      What are the benefits to company of retaining you?  You know why the part-time arrangement is important to you.  You should also make a list of how this arrangement would benefit the company.  In doing so consider:

-        How/why are you an important to them? 

-        Do you have subject matter expertise or skills or experience that few others in your organization possess?

-        Proven success:  At the company in general and/or in critical situations?

2)      Develop a Plan:  Create a complete plan showing:

a.       What responsibilities you would handle and how you would manage them with a part-time schedule. Look at your work load and determine which projects are mission critical that you could manage part-time

b.      Provide recommendations about how to handle the remaining workload.

c.       Suggest a transition plan including actions and timing.

3)      Consider working from home as an option.  Many companies today are open to this arrangement.

4)      Do some research and benchmarking into other companies that allow part-time employment at your level - especially those your company considers to be its competition.

5)      Know Your Options:  Start exploring your part-time options with other companies.  This will help support your confidence when you present your plan to your boss and will help you see more clearly what the benefits are to your company of retaining you.

6)      Present Your Plan to Your Boss: 

a.       Schedule a meeting with your boss to present your plan

b.      Be prepared for all possible reactions. 

c.       Be sure that in positioning your proposal it does not feel like an ultimatum.  Use language like: "I d like to explore non-tradition working arrangement with you."  This will protect you as much as possible while allowing you to opening the conversation. 

d.      Be confident: Since you report to the Senior VP of HR s/he is probably aware that it is expensive for the company to loose your subject matter expertise, to have an open position, and to pay a recruiter to fill your role.

Though there is still resistance at corporations to non-traditional working arrangements, it is becoming more common. The under 35 workforce is demanding more work/life balance and there is a real talent shortage. It is expensive to loose "A" players - their company knowledge walks out the door with them and often to a competitor.  In addition there is significant cost in hiring someone new, plus the cost to the business until a new person gets up to speed. Remember to factor all of this in when you build your business case.

Wishing you the best with your new baby and as you pursue these career options!

Dare to Deliver!

Submit your coaching question to Ask the Coach:  Merry will consider addressing it in a future issue...click here.