How To Ask for More Hours at Work (With Tips, a Template and an Example)

Many companies pay employees based on the number of hours they work. Companies who pay employees a salary often expect employees to work a certain number of hours, but the actual hours an employee works does not affect their paycheck. However, companies with hourly employees only pay employees for the exact number of hours they work, meaning employees with more hours often earn more money. In this article, we discuss why you may ask for more hours and tips and how to ask for more hours at work and include a template and example letter to ask for more hours.

Related: Hourly Employee: Definition and How They Get Paid

Why ask for more hours at work

People ask for more hours at work for a variety of reasons. Some request more hours for personal reasons. This may include not receiving enough hours to pay for living expenses or wanting to earn extra income to save for additional expenses.

Others ask for more hours for personal reasons. Asking for more hours at work may show you enjoy your job and you are eager to succeed. Requesting more hours may also provide you with the opportunity to gain more responsibilities, potentially helping you advance in your job.

Related: How To Decide if Working Overtime Is the Right Option for You

How to ask for more hours at work

Asking for more hours at work is a delicate process. It's important to be professional when asking your manager for more hours at work. This involves finding a good time, creating the right message and being respectful.

Here are some steps to follow to ask for more hours at work:

1. Prove your performance

Prove yourself as a good worker. Complete your tasks well, and look for other opportunities to help your coworkers and improve the bottom line of the company. A good work performance with high levels of productivity and consistently high-quality work may distinguish you from other employees.

2. Monitor your schedule

Consider why you want to ask for more hours at work. If you receive fewer hours than normal for just one week, it may be better for you to wait to ask for more hours as this may be a onetime occurrence. Monitor your schedule for a few weeks to look for changes in the hours you receive. If the number of hours you receive continues to decrease rather than increase, it may be time to ask for more hours.

Related: How Many Hours per Week Is Part-Time?

3. Evaluate your performance

Evaluate your own work performance. Think about your ability to complete your tasks and your attendance history. Consider your performance from the perspective of your manager, and try to determine if they would consider your performance enough to justify giving you more hours.

4. Consider solutions

Analyze the current state of your company. Look for potential issues within the company. Develop potential solutions to propose to your manager, and determine how the company giving you more hours would add more value to the company.

5. Ask for time

Once you determine how you want to ask your manager for more hours, request a meeting with them. Ask them to meet with you, and briefly explain why you want more hours. For example, you may ask your manager to meet with you to discuss the possibility of taking on more responsibilities.

6. Make your request

Talk to your manager about your desire for more hours. Emphasize your passion for your job, and share your potential solutions. Explain that you feel receiving more responsibilities and hours may allow you to help the company achieve success. While it should not be the focus of your request, you may include personal details of way you want more hours, such as needing more hours to save for a down payment on a home or cover the cost of tuition.

Some managers may prefer you to submit your request in writing. Write a letter or email including the same points as if you had an in-person discussion. Ensure the letter is formal but brief.

7. Thank your manager

Thank your manager for their time and hearing your request. It's important to keep in mind they may not have an answer for you immediately. Reassure them you are willing to wait for an answer, and emphasize your appreciation for their consideration.

Tips

Here are some tips to help you ask for more hours at work:

Ask for feedback

Ask your manager for feedback on your work performance. Consider their feedback, and adjust your workplace performance. Improve on anything they suggest before asking for more hours.

Related: How To Ask for Feedback

Focus on solutions

Focus on the potential benefits of your employer giving you more hours. Provide them with potential solutions to current work problems, and emphasize the value you bring. This is important to help convince your manager that it's worth it for employers to change their budget and spend more money to give you more hours.

Show up on time every day

Show up to work on time every day. This makes a good impression. It shows you're reliable and respectful of your employer's time.

Be positive

Be positive when asking for more hours at work. Focus on the value you can provide the company, why you enjoy the work and your desire to do more. Consider framing your request as:

"I love my job, and I really enjoy being able to assist customers find the perfect product or gift. I would love the opportunity to do more. Are there extra hours available?"

Be patient

It's important to be understanding and patient after asking for more hours at work. Managers may need time to find a way to give you more hours or responsibilities. However, while you wait, continue to prove your abilities and perform well to demonstrate why you deserve more hours.

Be flexible with your availability

Be flexible with your schedule at work. Show your commitment to your employer and how dependable you are by being willing to work any shifts, especially the shifts other people may not want. This shows your employer they can rely on you, and you may be their first choice for extra hours when they're available.

Template

Here's a template to use to help you write your email or letter requesting more hours at work:

[Date]

[Name of manager]
[Name of company]
[Company address]
[Company city, state and zip code]

Dear [manager],

[Begin your letter by thanking the manager for reading your letter. Establish how much you enjoy your job. End with your request to receive more opportunities and hours.]

[Provide further details about your current schedule and the hours you hope to receive instead. Include information about what you hope to achieve with your extra hours. Emphasize the value you bring to the company.]

[Thank the manager again for their time and consideration. Include a call to action to contact you with more information or questions. Let them know you look forward to hearing from them soon.]

[Closing statement, such as Sincerely or Best],

[Your name]
[Your title at work]
[Name of company]
[Your phone number]

Example

Here's a sample email or letter asking for more hours at work:

March 29, 2021

Beth Charles
Family Furniture Company
5678 Prairie Street
St. Louis, MO 63129

Dear Beth,

Thank you for your willingness to consider my request. I appreciate your time, and I love working as a salesperson at Family Furniture Company. My passion for working with this company is why I'm writing to you about the potential to assume more responsibilities and work more hours.

I currently work part time for Family Furniture Company, and I usually work 15 to 25 hours per week with most of my hours on weekdays. However, I would like to work 30 to 35 hours per week, and I would like to work a few weekends per month. I consistently record good high sales numbers, and I often pick up weekend shifts when others need the time off. I believe increasing my hours and adjusting my schedule could help increase the store's overall profits.

Again, thank you for your time, and I appreciate your consideration. Please do not hesitate to contact me with any questions. I look forward to your response.

Sincerely,

Samantha Bailey