Email Examples for Asking Your Boss To Work From Home

Working from home can offer many benefits for both employees and employers. In recent years, telecommuting has become more common thanks largely to the development of technology that allows people to stay connected remotely. In this article, we present some tips for asking your manager to work from home, list possible subject lines for your email request and provide a template and examples of possible email messages that you can use as a guide.

Related: Q&A: What Is Remote Work?

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Tips for asking to work from home

Asking your boss if you can work from home can be a delicate subject. Here are some tips to keep in mind before initiating the conversation:

Address any possible concerns

When asking to work from home, it's helpful to mention how you plan on maintaining your productivity and responsibilities when you're not in the office. Put your supervisor's concerns at ease by clearly outlining your new schedule, solutions to information security issues, strategies for keeping your manager informed of your productivity and ways that you can continue to collaborate with your coworkers, like email, video calls, phone calls or chat programs.

Try to be flexible and specific

Make sure that you are clear about whether you'd like this transition to remote work to be temporary, part-time or permanent. Additionally, try to remain flexible, giving your manager options to help facilitate the transition and ensure an uninterrupted flow of productivity.

Highlight the benefits

There are many benefits to working from home, and achieving a better work-life balance is definitely one of them. Instead of mentioning this, outline the benefits that this change can have for the company. For example, not having a commute could allow you to work earlier or later, or perhaps working from home could save the company some money.

Be aware of your manager's personality and the company's culture

If others in your company already work from home occasionally, this conversation can require a lot less convincing. If this is a new concept for your company, then you may need to spend more time presenting the benefits and possibilities.

Consider all possible obstacles

Before requesting to work from home, spend some time considering the pros and cons of remote work. This allows you to recognize areas you may need to address, both for your productivity and to ease your manager's concerns.

Related: 15 Tips for Working Remotely

Effective subject lines when asking to work from home

When writing a professional email, your subject line should be clear, concise and informative. Here are some examples of possible subject lines for an email requesting to work from home:

• Request to work from home

• Request to work remotely

• Request to work from home due to illness

• Request to work from home on a trial basis

• Request to work from home part-time

Template email asking to work from home

Here is a basic template that you can use to guide you when crafting your own email asking to work from home:

Dear [supervisor's name],

As you know, [incentive for wanting to work from home]. By working at home, I feel that I could [list of specific benefits of working from home].

Would it be possible for me to begin working from home [frequency of remote work request], while still meeting in the office on an as-needed basis? I value my time in the office with my colleagues, and I look forward to our continued collaboration. I'd still be available by [methods of communication] while working from home. Of course, I am invested in the success of this company and our department, so I'm flexible about the days and frequency that work best for you and the rest of the team.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

[Your name]

Related: How To Write a Professional Email

Example emails asking to work from home

Here is a list of examples of emails requesting to work from home because of specific situations:

• Request to work from home regularly

• Request to work from home part-time

• Request to work from home temporarily

• Request to work from home on a trial basis

• Request to work from home for health reasons

• Request to work from home to care for a loved one

Request to work from home regularly

Here's an example of an email requesting to transition from occasional or part-time to permanent remote work:

Subject line: Request to work from home

Dear Mr. Gonzalez,

As you know, I have already been working remotely several hours each week. During this time, I've found that my focus and productivity have improved without the daily office distractions.

Would it be possible for me to transition to working from home full-time? I would still be available to meet in the office as needed, and you could reach me via phone or email at any point during the workday. It has been an honor to be a part of this team, and I look forward to our future collaboration and successes.

Thank you so much for your time and consideration.

Best,

Rachael Venoy

Request to work from home part-time

Use this example of an email requesting to work remotely a few days a week:

Subject line: Request to work from home part-time

Dear Josh,

As you're already aware, I've been working from home every so often for the past year. The lack of interruptions while working remotely has allowed me to focus and accomplish more. Additionally, the close proximity to my colleagues has often been distracting and disruptive during phone conferences with my clients. I honestly feel that by working from home, I am able to provide my clients with more attention and better service.

Also, without a daily commute, I am more free to work extra hours, and without the need for my employee parking, the company saves on parking costs.

Would it be possible for me to work from home two to three days a week? I truly value my time in the office, but I feel that I could be just as, if not more effective, by working from home part-time. I am, of course, flexible about the days that work best for you and the company's overall needs, and I'd always be available to come into the office when my presence is needed.

Thank you for your time and consideration.

Best,

Curt Santmyer

Request to work from home temporarily

Here's an example of a request to work from home due to an important project:

Subject line: Request to work from home

Dear Caroline,

We're beginning preparations for this year's marketing conference, and I'm so excited for this event. As you know, this conference requires a lot of time, writing and planning. In the next few months, we need to create marketing materials, write an email newsletter, develop an event page and build the event's agenda.

As we approach the event, I'd like to start working from home a few days a week. In some of my previous jobs, I found that working from home improved my focus and productivity. I was thinking that Tuesday and Thursday would be ideal, since we usually don't have any meetings on those days, but I'm flexible and could always come into the office if something came up. During the days when I'm working from home, you could reach me by email or phone.

Thank you for your time. I'm eager to hear your thoughts.

Best,

Tracy Morris

Request to work from home on a trial basis

If your company is new to remote work, you can use this example email as a guide:

Subject line: Request to work from home as a trial

Dear Mrs. Consoli,

As you know, my desk is in close proximity to several of my colleagues. Through no fault of their own, this can make client communications somewhat challenging. Recently, I've received several complaints from clients saying that they find the background noise distracting during our phone calls.

I know that our company has never tried it before, but would it be possible for me to experiment with working remotely on a trial basis? I think that working from my home office would eliminate potential distractions and interruptions, allowing me to improve my focus and productivity. I would, of course, be available through email or phone if you need me.

I look forward to hearing your thoughts. Thanks in advance for your time and consideration.

Best,

Taylor Bush

Request to work from home for health reasons

Here's an example of an email you could use if you'd like to work remotely because of health concerns:

Subject line: Request to work from home for health reasons

Dear Charles,

Due to personal health issues, I'd like to request the chance to work from home. As you know, I'm immunocompromised, and lately I have been experiencing more symptoms. By working from home, it would give me the flexibility to rest and make doctor's appointments without interrupting my workday. I believe that because of this, I could maintain or even improve my level of productivity.

Even though I'd be primarily working remotely, I would still be available through phone or email and could always come into the office when necessary.

Thank you for taking the time to consider my request. Please let me know if you have any questions or concerns.

Best,

Rose Miller

Request to work from home to care for a loved one

If caring for a loved one has made it difficult to go to the office every day, you can use this email example:

Subject line: Request to work from home to care for a family member

Dear Daniel,

As you know, my father has been struggling with dementia for almost two years now. The situation has necessitated that he move in with us a few months ago, but it has become clear that it is no longer safe for him to be left alone.

I'd like to request the chance to work from home so that I can watch after him. By just being in the home during the day, I can ensure that he is safe and fed. I'm confident that I could keep up with my current quotas remotely, and I'd be available via phone or email if a need should arise. If something comes up where I'm needed in the office, I could always find someone to sit with my dad for a day or a few hours.

I know this is an unusual request. Thank you so much for your understanding and consideration. If you have any questions or concerns, please let me know. I look forward to hearing from you.

Best,

Michaela Ide