Do you want to change your work hours from full-time to part-time? Maybe you need to take care of your kids, or maybe you need time to finish your college degree.
Either way, here are two sample letters you can use to address your boss and request part-time hours.
Letter example 1: If you haven't talked with your boss yet
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Letter Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Employer's Address]
Dear [Name of your manager or HR person], I would like to request a change in my working hours from full-time to part-time. I'm currently working from [Starting time] to [End time] on [days you work] as a [Job title].
If possible, I'd like to work in the afternoons. I am a single mother of 2 young children and I need to take care of them in the morning. My afternoons are free, as my mother will help take care of them.
I'm also open to any type of remote or flex work arrangement that is mutually beneficial for both parties.
I have been employed with [Company name] for [X years] and I've always received good feedback from my peers and from [Manager's name].
If you need to further discuss this issue, please get in touch with me through my number [Phone number]. I look forward to hearing from you.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your position/job title]
Letter example 2: If you talked with your boss/manager
[Your Name]
[Your Address]
[Letter Date]
[Employer's Name]
[Employer's Address]
Dear [Name of your manager or boss], I have previously discussed with [person's name] my intent to change from full-time to part-time work. My new work schedule goes from [Starting time] to [End time] on [Days you work].
I'm sending this letter to confirm this agreement and to guarantee you have a record on your system.
I have made arrangements to make sure all work and client requests get taken care of. I'm available through my number [Phone Number] in case you need any clarifications.
Sincerely,
[Your Name]
[Your position/job title]
It's easier to get permission to work part-time if you're an hourly worker. For salary workers, it's a little tougher.
Check your company policy towards part-time work. Is there even a policy? Ask your coworkers.
Smaller companies are more flexible, which gives your boss/manager more freedom to decide on your case.
Talk with your boss before you send a letter. Letters are a very formal method of communication. They're good for record-keeping and sometimes required by the law.
But if you have a good relationship with your boss, there's no reason you shouldn't have a conversation with him first.
Unfortunately, not all companies or managers will accept your request, but the law might be on your side.
Certain states and countries require companies to allow flextime if an employee requests it. Check your state labor laws for more information about this.
Who will replace you when you work part-time? Can you do the same work in half the time? Is replacement even needed?
Offer suggestions to close your schedule gap. Can your coworkers cover for you? Do you know somebody who can be hired part-time?
Don't passively wait for your manager to decide. Get involved.
If you need to stay home but are otherwise free to work full-time, you can ask your manager to let you work remotely.
This will help you save on commuting costs while allowing you to maintain a full-time position within your company.
Flextime schedules might also be a viable alternative to part-time work.
You know why part-time work is beneficial. But can you sell your company on those benefits?
It's not just about you. Explain to your boss how part-time work allows the company to save money while increasing schedule flexibility.
It's easier to get your boss on your side if you can sell him the benefits of this arrangement.
If your manager is skeptical, offer a 2-week trial to see how it goes. A trial helps diminish the risks for your company while helping you get used to your new lifestyle.
To make it more likely that your company accepts your request, mention your accomplishments while writing the letter.
If you've ever been promoted, got any awards or praise from your manager and colleagues, then it makes sense to use that as leverage in your negotiations.
No company wants to lose a good worker. If part-time work is important for you, they'll find a way to make it work.
It depends on the type of company you work for. Small companies are less formal and a lot of issues can be solved by talking face to face. Big companies are more likely to require formal requests.
One advantage of writing a letter is proof you made a request. Once there is a formal request, the company is forced to provide you with a formal answer rather than ignore or delay it.