Editor’s Note: This story originally appeared on FlexJobs.com.
Were you offered a work-from-home job only to find that perk suddenly unavailable once hired?
You’re not alone. Many companies make promises like working from home during the interview as a way to recruit top talent. But sometimes, the employer reneges on working from home.
That’s why it’s important to get it in writing as part of a job offer, says Vicky Oliver, author of “301 Smart Answers to Tough Interview Questions” and “301 Smart Answers to Tough Business Etiquette Questions.”
If this has happened to you, there are a few steps you can take to ensure you can continue to work from home.
Can an Employer Make Me Return to the Office?
In short, yes. Generally, U.S. companies offer “at-will employment,” meaning that an employer can terminate you at any time, for any reason.
So, even if you were promised a work-from-home job, your employer could mandate that you return to the office if they change their minds.
What to Do When Your Employer Reneges on Remote Work
If your employer wants you to work in the office despite promising a work-from-home arrangement, there are a few steps you can take. We detail them below.
Ask Yourself These Questions
First, think back to that interview where you were promised a work-from-home arrangement, says Jena Brown, an independent recruiting operations and brand strategist.
Ask yourself two questions: Who was it that extended the offer, and who promised the remote work? Who is now saying you can no longer work from home?
“If the two are different, then you need to determine if the person who promised it was in a position of authority at the time of doing so,” says Brown. “Was it made clear throughout the entire interview and hiring process that this was one of your key requirements for joining, and was that documented anywhere?”
Negotiate a Remote Work Arrangement
If it’s not in writing, you can’t storm into your boss or manager’s office and say, “This is what you promised me,” says Oliver, because your boss can turn around and say, “The situation has changed. Take it or leave it.”
You need to make a compelling case for a work-from-home arrangement. To negotiate remote work options, focus on how it benefits the company, not yourself.
If your company is focused on sustainability, for instance, you could emphasize the reduced environmental impact of remote work.
Or, you could mention how a work-from-home arrangement makes you more productive, so you will be able to continue to help the company achieve its goals. You could also mention how time that would normally be spent commuting could be used for work.
Additionally, restate your commitment to working with the company. And if a hybrid or remote work arrangement was a key factor in your decision to accept the position, let your employer know.
Consider Opposing Arguments
To make your case for at-home work more puncture-proof, consider opposing arguments.
Your boss may argue that “face time,” either with staff or clients, is imperative. You can point out that programs such as Skype, WebEx, or other live meeting platforms allow you to conduct face-to-face meetings with staff members and people anywhere in the world.
You can also communicate instantly via instant messenger (IM). Tell them you will be readily available via email, phone, and IM as if you were in the office.
Point out that, in some cases, there could be days you never talk to your coworkers or a manager, even if you are in the same office.
“Show your boss that you will be just as available as if you were in the office,” says Oliver. “Above all, do not lose your cool over this. Now is the time to demonstrate professionalism.”
Ask for a Trial Period
If there is resistance, ask for a trial period of one or two days per week, and then reevaluate. Get that commitment to a trial period in writing.
After the trial period, ask your boss for feedback, says Brown. Gauge how they felt about your performance. Throughout, document all your progress and how you’ve contributed to the company’s success while working from home.
Were you at home working at 4:30 p.m. to answer a frantic call from a client? Point out that if you were stuck in traffic, you wouldn’t have been able to answer that call, which could have resulted in a costly mistake. If that helped save your company $3,500, use that information to your advantage.
With concrete examples — especially anything that involves saving or making money — your boss may allow you to work from home. If the company values work-life balance and wants to promote a culture of flexibility, it should follow through with its promise.
“The bottom line is that you cannot make the company hold true to its promise,” says Brown. “But if integrity is one of the core values, be mindful of how the company responds, and do a gut check on whether it’s doing what it said it would do.”
Be Prepared to Look Elsewhere
Ultimately, if you’ve taken these steps and your boss still refuses to let you work from home, there’s not much you can do.
The only other option you have is to prepare to quit or job search without your employer knowing.
Thankfully, there are plenty of companies with remote jobs.
You can find remote roles in a variety of fields, such as health care, education, and IT. To find a new position, you’ll need to tailor your resume to each job.
Also, leverage your professional network to uncover hidden opportunities and get your foot in the door with a new company.
Continue to Work From Home
An employer who reneges on working from home can be a huge headache. However, there are steps you can take to continue to work from home.
And if your current employer is unwilling to accommodate a work-from-home arrangement, there are plenty of employers who offer remote jobs.
