Do you feel like you are being constrained by your office environment, even if you love your job? If you are, the feeling is not uncommon, as we have dream work environments that can help us stay productive and motivated. Some companies have different branches in various cities, which can make it easy for employees to move to the locations they want. Larger companies may even have international locations, and if you are lucky, you may be assigned there if the company believes you are needed in these areas.
However, managers may not be as open to allowing location transfers if you request one. This is especially true if you handle a big company project or are a vital team player. Yet, by presenting a compelling reason that demonstrates how the transfer could benefit the entire company, you can open the door to a potentially rewarding change.
If you are determined to ask your manager to allow a location transfer, here are some tips on how you can improve your chances of getting approved:
Ask Your Colleagues For Advice
Before considering how you can frame your request, collecting information on how a location transfer could be done is best. Seek the help of your coworkers, especially those who have requested it before.
They can provide valuable insights into the process and share their experiences, which can help you prepare for your own request. If they have requested it before, ask them how they requested a job location transfer and how you can file yours.
Identify The Reason Why You Want To Change Your Location
Aside from getting an insight on how you can do your job location transfer request, you need to ask yourself why you are requesting it in the first place. Are you doing it because you want to change your office scenery? Are you doing it for your career? Are you ready for such a move?
By answering these questions, you can determine whether or not your reason for a location move is legitimate and acceptable. It will also help you explain to your manager that you are making the move for the sake of your career and to help the company rather than it being a move with personal intentions.
Determine What Your Managers Will Think About It
Sometimes, we must consider how others think about our job location move request. Managers often have a great reason to deny work relocation requests. Usually, it is due to the need to retain the workforce.
See your workspace’s current situation, and if you see that your departure can affect the entire team’s performance, you will be able to determine how the manager will act when they receive your request. You can also ask your colleagues for advice if you are unsure how your managers will react to your request.
Ask Yourself If You Are Ready For The Move
It is an exciting venture to move to a new location, even if it is for work. But, if you look at the specifics of moving to a new location, it is a severe challenge. You will start from scratch when you move to a new location, from finding a place to stay, getting used to the climate, etc.
If you are someone who doesn’t like taking risks, can’t adapt to new environments quickly or survive on your own, you need to reconsider your choices. However, with the right preparation and a clear understanding of what the move entails, you can confidently assess your readiness for this significant change.
Fortunately, there are ways to train critical skills to help you with a possible move. Do research first to see where you can learn these skills, or ask your colleagues or loved ones who moved to a new workplace for advice.
Since you will be working far from your superior, it is best to check the internet’s reliability in the area you plan to move to for work and the suitable applications to stay connected to. Remember, you are not alone in this journey, and there are resources and people who can support you.
When you have the right skills and are confident enough, it is the only time to consider making the request.
Ask Your Manager About It
Contrary to popular belief, some companies allow employees to ask for a work location change. During the onset of the pandemic, many have been open to remote work and a hybrid setup so long as it does not affect the person’s performance and capability to meet deadlines. However, some companies may need to be more active in saying these opportunities are available.
When you can, ask your manager about it and speak to them about the pros and cons of the move to your career and the company. They may provide you with a different opportunity if they think that a location transfer will not benefit you in your current situation.
Complete All Your Pending Tasks
Before you request to change your work location, you must show your manager that you are responsible in your current role and can handle the tasks given to you once you are in your new location. Make it a point to complete all your tasks without prompting and on time. If they see that you cannot keep up with the functions you already have in your current setup, they will more likely deny your request.
Working in environments that you believe will give you the satisfaction and thrill you are looking for is a great opportunity. However, it is a serious decision that requires careful planning and enacting specific changes in your work approach. When employers see that you are ready for the move and will still keep you in their employ, they will be more than open to consider your request.
If they deny your request, don’t be disheartened and try again! If your request is denied, it’s important to remain professional and continue to excel in your current role. You can also use the feedback from the rejection to improve your chances in the future.
Trying to have a friendly relationship with your bosses? Try these tips:
The Price of Oversharing with Your Boss
6 Ways to Develop a Better Relationship with Your Boss
Giving Constructive Criticism to Your Boss: Do It Right
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