An effective job search extends beyond merely discovering the ideal position or company; it encompasses the consideration of your prospective workplace.
In the wake of the Covid pandemic, the significance of job locations has risen to a new level with the increasing prevalence of flexible work arrangements. Now, they hold equal importance to the nature of the work itself. The choice of workplace can profoundly impact your lifestyle, work-life balance, and overall job contentment.
To negotiate a job location, you must be well prepared, time your negotiation correctly, and approach it assertively and diplomatically.
In this article, I will discuss why job location matters, how you can prepare to negotiate it, and what benefits you can expect from this kind of agreement.
Why Negotiate Job Location?
Personal Preferences
Would you prefer the city or rather be in a suburban location? How about working from the comforts of your countryside home? We all have our unique venue, which we enjoy working from. After all, we spend a large portion of our day at work, so why not make it comfortable? Negotiate from where you are most productive.
Family Commitments or Personal Circumstances
You may have family commitments that you need to attend to daily. For example, you may have young children who need help getting to and from school. Therefore, working close to home is a priority for you.
Cost of Living Considerations
Consider negotiating a higher salary or looking for a job location where living costs match your salary level if a job offer comes from a city with a high cost of living. Better yet, negotiate to work from home rather than move to a city with a high cost of living.
Impact on Lifestyle
Your workplace location significantly impacts your lifestyle, hobbies, and social connections. For example, if you are a surfer and live near a beach, your lifestyle may be dampened by working in a bustling city. Negotiate the possibility of working from home for the same company rather than moving to a place where you do not thrive.
Commuting Constraints
There are many benefits to working from home, but if you are required to commute a long distance, consider negotiating for a location closer to home or a flexible work schedule.
Negotiating the Location of a Job: How to Prepare
Identify your personal needs – Self-reflect to fully understand where you need to be located for personal reasons.
Review the company’s policies – Frequently, companies maintain specific policies concerning job location, relocation benefits, and remote work. It is essential to research your company’s position on these matters thoroughly.
Consider possible solutions – Negotiations need two-way conversations, so rather than just making demands, try to develop possible solutions. For example, can you regularly travel to the corporate headquarters for team meetings if you wish to work in another city? If you prefer to work from home, could you arrange your working hours to cover the head office’s business hours?
Provide compelling reasons for your request – Prepare a list of valid arguments in support of your request for a specific location. Make your personal benefits part of your professional growth. A happy employee is more productive.
Negotiating Job Locations at the Right Time
- Post Job Offer, Pre-Acceptance – Strike while the iron is hot! You are in a strong negotiating position when you have been offered a job but have not accepted it. You can use this as leverage to bring up the topic of job location. The employer has already decided they want you on board, so this is your sweet spot.
- During Contract Renewal – Here is another ripe opportunity to seize a new location. Contracts are being reviewed, so now is the time to ask for a possible new work location.
- After Displaying Strong Performance – You can leverage your accomplishments to negotiate a new location if you perform well.
- Upon Changes in Company Policy or Structure – Change is inevitable within companies. For example, if your company just announced a new remote-working policy, it might be a good time to discuss your work location.
How to Negotiate Job Location
Professionalize Your Approach to the Negotiation
Always negotiate in a business-like manner. Do not become emotional or combative. Approach this like you would any other business project.
Present Your Case Clearly
Explain your case succinctly and why it’s beneficial to both of you. Describe how you can optimize your productivity if you work from a particular company branch or how your specific skills might be used there better.
Discuss Your and the Company’s Benefits
In addition to your interests, the business interests need to be considered. If you want to work from home, you can start working early by not having to commute, potentially increasing productivity. Working remotely makes it easier to maintain a work-life balance, making you happier, less stressed, and more productive.
Allow Yourself to be Flexible and Open
Negotiating means striking a middle ground between the employee and the employer. Therefore, you must be open to what your employer says and meet them halfway. They may not be comfortable with you working full-time from home, but they may be fine with a few days.
How to Negotiate for a Work-from-Home Setup
Your and Your Employer’s Benefits
- Improved Productivity
- Fewer distractions
- Potential for longer work hours
Propose a Trial Period
- Period to assess if this arrangement works well for both
- Alleviate any concerns your employer might have
To Measure Productivity, Track Your Accomplishments
- Keep a detailed list of tasks accomplished each day and week
- Weekly catch-up with your manager to ensure you stay on track
Commit to Communicating and Collaborating
- Communicate through email, phone, and chat
- Collaborate with Slack and Trello to stay connected
Negotiations via Email When Appropriate
Email proves to be a highly effective negotiation medium, particularly when the requested changes are minor or uncomplicated.
Take, for example, the scenario where you seek permission to work from home every Friday. Complying with a skillfully worded and considerate email can suffice. Moreover, email allows the recipient to deliberate on your proposal without feeling unduly rushed into an immediate response.
When to Negotiate in Person
If you’re considering a significant change, like relocating to a different state or country, discuss this matter in person or through a video call.
Such discussions may encompass factors like relocation compensation, housing allowances, team or role transitions, and more detailed considerations that aren’t well-suited for emails.
Other Tips to Negotiate Job Location
- Don’t be afraid to ask. This is the time for you to express your wants and needs.
- Positive conversation is key. Embrace a collaborative approach during the negotiation.
- Be flexible. Negotiation functions as a two-way street, meaning being inflexible may fail to produce desired outcomes.
In Summary
In the dance of job negotiations, mastering the art of location strategy can be your ultimate trump card. By evaluating and showcasing the mutual benefits of your desired location, you hold the key to unlocking a world of opportunities.
Flexibility and open communication are essential as you navigate the path to a compromise that satisfies both parties. Embrace the power of persuasive persistence and demonstrate your unwavering commitment to the organization’s success.
With a mix of charm and a touch of finesse, you’ll secure your dream job and shape the perfect location for a thriving career journey ahead. Happy negotiating!
Next Steps
While job location negotiations can be challenging, you’re not alone. Our career coaches will provide personalized guidance to help you forge a path aligned with your goals.
If you struggle to find a work-life balance, don’t hesitate to contact us. We can work together to overcome this hurdle.
