Making A Request at Work

Most people need to work. Jobs can be enjoyable, but sometimes we can be very unhappy at work. What can we do if we are unhappy at our job?

If we are lucky, perhaps we can find a new and better job. For most people, this is not possible because we have bills to pay and it takes time to find a good job.

What can we do at our current job to make it more enjoyable? Ask for a raise (more money)? Ask for a change the schedule? Ask for more or less responsibility? Ask to talk with a co-worker?

An example: Maria has been late for work the last three days because she has a problem with the babysitter. She does not feel good about this and she knows her boss is angry. What can Maria do to fix this situation?

Maria’s babysitter can not be at her house at 7am. This means Maria will be thirty minutes late to work everyday. Maria needs to change her schedule. She decided to speak to her boss. What do you think she should say to her boss? And how?

Maria told her boss that she needed to talk with him. She asked when would be a good time for him. They made an appointment to talk. “Hello, Mr. Call. I need to speak with you. When would be a good time for you?”

She came to the appointment early. She apologized for being late the last three days. She explained the reason why she was late and told him she has a problem with the time. “I have a problem with my babysitter. She can no longer come at 7am. She will be 30 minutes late everyday.” I will not be able to be here on time, until I can find another babysitter. “I am sorry for being late the last three days.”

She asked for a change in time on her schedule. She told him how much she would appreciate his flexibility. “Is there anyway I could possibly come a half hour later everyday? I will still do all my work. I will take on more responsibility and even stay a half hour later if you’d like. This would be great for my kids and I and it will not effect my work.” “ I would really appreciate your flexibility with this. It would mean a lot to my children and I. ”

“Sure. I would be willing to do this, if you agree to train another new employee,” said Mr. call. Be willing to compromise! “No problem. I would be happy to do that. “ Thank your boss. “Thank you for your time.”