Harvard Business Review - HBR Guide to Managing Flexible Work (HBR Guide Series)

Arm yourself with the advice you need to succeed on the job, from the most trusted brand in business. Packed with how-to essentials from leading experts, the HBR Guides provide smart answers to your most pressing work challenges.

HBR Guide for Women at Work

HBR Guide to Being More Productive

HBR Guide to Being a Great Boss

HBR Guide to Better Business Writing

HBR Guide to Building Your Business Case

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HBR Guide to Coaching Employees

HBR Guide to Collaborative Teams

HBR Guide to Data Analytics Basics for Managers

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HBR Guide to Emotional Intelligence

HBR Guide to Finance Basics for Managers

HBR Guide to Flexible Work

HBR Guide to Getting the Mentoring You Need

HBR Guide to Getting the Right Job

HBR Guide to Getting the Right Work Done

HBR Guide to Leading Teams

HBR Guide to Making Better Decisions

HBR Guide to Making Every Meeting Matter

HBR Guide to Managing Flexible Work

HBR Guide to Managing Strategic Initiatives

HBR Guide to Managing Stress at Work

HBR Guide to Managing Up and Across

HBR Guide to Motivating People

HBR Guide to Negotiating

HBR Guide to Networking

HBR Guide to Office Politics

HBR Guide to Performance Management

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HBR Guide to Project Management

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HBR Guide to Thinking Strategically

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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data

Names: Harvard Business Review Press, issuing body.

Title: HBR guide to managing flexible work.

Other titles: Harvard Business Review guide to managing flexible work | Harvard business review guides.

Description: Boston, Massachusetts : Harvard Business Review Press, [2022] | Series: Harvard business review guides | Includes index.

Identifiers: LCCN 2021058686 (print) | LCCN 2021058687 (ebook) | ISBN 9781647823320 (paperback) | ISBN 9781647823337 (epub)

Subjects: LCSH: Flexible work arrangementsHandbooks, manuals, etc. | Virtual work teamsHandbooks, manuals, etc. | Virtual workHandbooks, manuals, etc. | TelecommutingHandbooks, manuals, etc. | Success in businessHandbooks, manuals, etc. | Industrial managementHandbooks, manuals, etc.

Classification: LCC HD5109 .H37 2022 (print) | LCC HD5109 ebook) | DDC 331.25/72dc23/eng/20220105

LC record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021058686

LC ebook record available at https://lccn.loc.gov/2021058687

ISBN: 978-1-64782-332-0
eISBN: 978-1-64782-333-7

The paper used in this publication meets the requirements of the American National Standard for Permanence of Paper for Publications and Documents in Libraries and Archives Z39.48-1992.

The traditional 9-to-5 office job is no longer the norm. Individuals have the option to work anywhere, any time. The advantages of flexible work are clear: With a schedule that suits your needs, allowing you to volunteer, stay active, or take care of your loved ones, youll be happier, more productive, and more engaged on the job. But where do you start? How do you decide what will be the best arrangement for your job and team? And whats the best way to ask your manager for it?

Its time to rethink how your work gets done. Youll have to adjust how you stay productive, communicate, and set boundaries when youre dealing with reduced hours, minimal face time with your colleagues, and an increase in online distractions. And if youre a manager leading a flexible team, youll have to be even more intentional when it comes to creating a fair and inclusive culture and supporting people spread out across distance and time zones.

Whether youve been working on a different schedule than your colleagues for years, are hoping to find a flexible arrangement that works for you, or are managing a team with varied schedules and locations, this guide will help you navigate the challenges that arise along the way.

Youll learn how to:

• Figure out where and when you are most productive.
• Set a flexible work schedule that meets your needs.
• Negotiate a flexible work arrangement with your boss.
• Get more donein less time.
• Help your team set a flexible working schedule.
• Stay focused when youre working remotely.
• Create an inclusive and fair environment for your team.
• Remain visible to your colleagues when youre not physically present.
• Craft communication norms for you and your team.
• Runand participate insuccessful hybrid meetings.
• Stay connected to colleagues who are online at different hours.
• Provide feedback for employees virtually.

Prioritize company and employee needs equally.

BY ELLEN ERNST KOSSEK, PATRICIA GETTINGS, AND KAUMUDI MISRA

Make decisions based on your productivity levels.

BY ROBERT C. POZEN AND ALEXANDRA SAMUEL

When are you most motivated?

BY ELIZABETH GRACE SAUNDERS

Approach the conversation with an open mind.

BY RUCHI SINHA AND CAROL T. KULIK

Tips for parentsthat apply to everyone.

BY MICHELE BENTON

You dont have to work 40 hours to be productive.

BY JOE SANOK

Be intentional with the time you have.

BY AMANTHA IMBER

Set boundariesand stick to them.

BY ELIZABETH GRACE SAUNDERS

Block out the noise of your virtual reality.

BY ALYSON MEISTER AND AMANDA SINCLAIR

Whether youre in the office or shutting down at home.