How to receive approval from your employer to work remotely on Remote Year

12. Nov. 2021

For the past 6 years, we have helped over 3,000 global remote professionals work remotely while traveling the world. Whether you are testing the remote working waters on a 1 month program or are looking to transform your life on a year-long journey, all of our Remote Year programs are especially designed to ensure that you have a comfortable, reliable, and productive work environment no matter where you are in the world.

For many, the first step in any Remote Year journey is receiving employer approval. While this may seem to be a daunting task initially, we’ve heard hundreds of success stories over the years from individuals who never thought their company would get on board.

As industry leaders in the remote working space, we’ve learned a thing or two about how to get your company to approve a Remote Year program. With these tips, you’ll be ready to confidently approach this conversation and make your work and travel dreams a reality.

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1. Figure out the details before you make a request

Before making a formal request or even scheduling a meeting, we recommend doing some research so you are well-prepared when the time comes to meet with your employer. The more prepared you are to make a request, the more seriously your request will be considered. Think through all follow up questions to ensure you are being thoughtful on both sides of the table. Here are some considerations to take into account:

Do you work specific time-zones? How will your hours be impacted and adjusted?
Do you have any direct reports? How will you continue to manage them effectively?
Can your in-person meetings be taken as video calls?
What type of communication tools or software does your job provide?
Do you use a VPN or digital security platforms necessary for your job?‍

Our Remote Year team is happy to help answer any questions you may have in advance of your meeting. We have been setting remote workers up for success for over 6 years-there isn’t a question we haven’t answered before.

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2. List all of the benefits of working and traveling with Remote Year‍

One of the keys to backing up your request is sharing with your supervisor the many benefits of working remotely while traveling. Make it clear that Remote Year programs are not only beneficial to you personally, but professionally as well. Here are a few points we recommend sharing:

Overall benefits of Remote Work:

Increased work-life balance
Decreased overhead costs for the organization
Heightened productivity due to the ability to control your work environment, structure your calendar, and maximize your time
Increased retention due to flexibility and trust

Benefits of a Remote Year program:

Global perspective and cultural immersion
Networking with a diverse group of professionals
Increased productivity from inspired employees
Focus on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)

If possible, tailor these benefits to the needs of your organization. Is employee retention something your employer struggles with? Do they need a few extra voices on a team focused on Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI)? Honing in on your employer’s needs will strengthen your request.

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3. Think through any objections that your employer may have

You know your company, departments and leadership. Brainstorm all potential issues or objections that your leadership may have, and be ready to present clear and effective solutions that you can implement to overcome them. This ensures you are ready in the event of pushback and shows that you are proactively considering the needs of your organization.

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Remote working

4. Create a proposal based on what would be best received by your employer or client‍

After outlining the program details, benefits of working remotely on Remote Year, and taking into account your employer’s potential objections, it’s time to put together a proposal. While variables like role, tenure, company-size, and performance may impact your proposal process, a formal proposal is always more effective than a casual ask because it shows determination, professionalism, and underscores the importance of your request. Over the years, we’ve heard some pretty incredible stories from individuals who were able to turn their employers’ “no” into a “yes” thanks to a well-prepared proposal. ‍

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5. Schedule a meeting with your employer or client

Now that your proposal is complete, it’s time to present your Remote Year pitch to your key stakeholders who will approve your request. This could be a scheduled meeting through video call, a 1:1 in-person agenda item, or grabbing a meal with your boss- you’ll know what is best for your work environment. Depending on your company’s structure, you may even need to hold several meetings to get approval. Keep in mind that your manager may need time to consider your request and set a specific time to follow up to ensure your proposal keeps moving forward. During your meeting, be sure to encourage questions, and ask for any and all objections so you can address each one directly. If your employer has any questions about our programs, you may also reach out to your Remote Year Community Success Lead, and we will set up a call between our enterprise team and your employer.

Below are a few talking points to keep in mind:

Remote Year is the leading platform for remote working professionals across the globe. Highlight that we are a trusted brand that has delivered best-in-class work and travel programs in over 40 destinations for over 3,000 individuals across hundreds of industries and professions.
Remote Year programs are designed with productivity in mind. We take care of all logistics to ensure your job will be done in a quiet, comfortable, and reliable environment, just as it would be at home or in the office.
You will grow personally and professionally, and this experience will ultimately benefit your company. This opportunity allows you to grow as you connect with like-minded people from different companies, professions, and backgrounds.‍

‍You care about your company and your job. You are pursuing this because you care about your organization and your position. Remote Year programs combine the job you love with your passion for travel-without sacrificing one for the other.

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