How to ask to work remotely

By Wendy S. Myers, CVJ, Founder & Communication Expert, Communication Solutions for Veterinarians

When a rockstar client service representative (CSR) moved out of state, a Montana practice had the employee work remotely to answer phones, enter inventory, and manage equine travel health certificates. Remote jobs didn’t exist in veterinary medicine a few years ago. Thanks to technology and out-of-the-box thinking that helped veterinary practices pivot during the pandemic, more practices are considering remote workers.

By 2025, 22% of the workforce will work remotely.[1] Remote work includes full-time employees working from home as well as a hybrid model of blending home and in-office work. Managers and CSRs can do all or part of their work remotely.

Want to explore remote or hybrid work but feel anxious about talking to your boss? Take a deep breath, exhale, and follow these six steps:

1. Do your research.

To understand the work-from-anywhere trend, research studies and business journals online. Post in social platforms to meet veterinary colleagues with experience as remote workers. Find out if other practices in your area offer remote work arrangements. Your boss will want to retain valued employees.

2. Write a proposal.

Create a clear and specific remote or hybrid work plan. Your proposal should include:

• Job description of your responsibilities

• Proposed remote or hybrid work schedule

• What equipment you will need and associated costs

• How you will communicate with in-person teammates and your boss

• Ways to track your performance and accomplishments

• How you will check in to ensure the remote or hybrid arrangement is working for everyone

3. ask to meet.

Don’t blurt out that you want to meet to discuss working remotely. Say you want to discuss your job functions and how you do your job. Email a request such as, “I want to schedule a 30-minute meeting with you to discuss my ideas for improving my work environment and making it more conducive to accomplish my responsibilities. Are you available on <date, time 1>, <date, time 2>, or another choice that better fits your schedule? I look forward to discussing details with you.”

Meet face-to-face. You need to look your boss in the eye, read your manager’s body language, and have a thoughtful discussion.

4. emphasize benefits to the practice.

Assure your boss that the arrangement is good for everyone, not just you. Answer questions such as:

How could you do your job better? “If I work remotely on Fridays, I can call, text, and email clients about overdue reminders and book more follow-up care. I also can create our weekly social posts.”

 How will you be more productive? “I can have more engaging conversations with phone shoppers because I can solely focus on answering their questions and making strong connections that result in more new clients for the practice. This will generate new business.”

 Will you be able to work hours that better accommodate the practice? “I can answer all incoming calls from 7:30 to 8:30 a.m. so the in-person CSR team can focus on checking in surgical patients, welcoming the first appointments, and completing their morning checklist.”

 If you’re able to skip your commute, could you start or end your shift earlier or later? “I could take a longer lunch break and work 30 minutes later in the evening to handle calls so the in-person CSR team can wrap up the last appointments and complete the closing checklist.”

5. be ready to address objections.

Think of questions and challenges your boss is likely to have. Include answers in your proposal and practice how you will respond.

Objection: “Our hospital isn’t ready for remote workers.”

Your response: “I understand your concerns. Let’s discuss what worries you so I can share my ideas. To ease any concerns, I propose a trial period so we can evaluate how remote work functions for me and the CSR team.”

Objection: “How can I trust that you are working?”

Your response: “In my proposal, I explain how I will keep you updated on my progress each week and the proposed schedule so you know when I will be available. I also will work with you on preferred communication methods. Weekly check-ins will let us discuss exactly what I’ve accomplished and any challenges I’m facing.”

 Objection: “If I let you work remotely, other CSRs will want to do it. How can I run a practice with no one at the front desk?”

Your response: “If remote work benefits me and the hospital, you could offer this work arrangement to keep and attract top talent. The manager could evaluate requests individually if another employee wants to work remotely, or we could consider rotating remote days among teammates, so we have adequate front-desk coverage.”

6. start with a trial period.

If you will be the first remote worker at your hospital, you will set the example of success—or failure. During the first months, over-communicate your schedule, plans, and accomplishments. Be visible. Don’t just text or email co-workers. Have video chats so co-workers see and engage with you. Have a weekly virtual meeting with your boss to review what’s working and where you need support. If possible, attend department and staff meetings in person to maintain collegiality. Adjust communication protocols, work schedules, or reporting tools as needed.