How to Request Working From Home

Be specific about what you are asking for

"I would like to work from home" invites a no. "I would like to work from home on Tuesdays and Thursdays from 2 February, keeping my current hours" gives your manager something to assess. State the days, the hours, and whether it is permanent or for a fixed period.

Answer the practical questions before they are asked

• • How you will be contactable, and during which hours.
• • How team meetings, handovers and cover will work.
• • Which parts of your job need you on site, and when you would do them.
• • Equipment, connectivity and anything you already have at home.
• • How you would handle urgent on-site issues on a home day.

Point to what already works

If you have worked remotely before — during a closure, on a project, or while covering something — say what you delivered and how it went. Evidence from your own record is more persuasive than general arguments about remote work.

Health-related reasons follow a different route

If the reason relates to a health condition or disability, it is usually better handled as a reasonable adjustment rather than a general flexible working request. The two processes are different internally, so say which one you intend.

Homeworking expenses and equipment

Ask what your employer provides and how equipment, display-screen assessments and any costs are handled. Do not assume a policy exists; ask what theirs is.

If the answer is no

Ask for the reason in writing and whether a smaller version would be considered — one day a week, a trial period, or specific days tied to particular tasks. Employers can refuse statutory requests for the business reasons set out in current GOV.UK guidance, so an initial refusal is not unusual.