How can I convince my employer to allow me to work remotely overseas?

This week’s problem

I have worked in financial markets for about 35 years. I work for a fund I helped build from scratch, but I want to see out my final few years working remotely overseas. How should I sell this to my employer and my team? I will work just as hard and be just as dynamic, but at the same time feel more driven and creative with a fresh context away from the UK. Male, 50s

Jonathan’s answer

Companies and their staff are still exploring the balance between working in the office and remotely. For those whose work gives them the choice, the pandemic showed what can be possible and effective, and many people wish to continue working in this way.

While transactional activities can lend themselves well to solitary working, organisations are concerned that company culture is difficult to maintain when workers are spending far less time at the office interacting with colleagues. They also are concerned about maintaining and measuring work effectiveness.

So how to sell a potential move to your employer?

Lay out a rationale based on your increased commitment and satisfaction, and the fact that you have already produced good work over a number of years. Outline what you feel are the benefits of remote work to your employer.

According to Holly Marriott, founder of Eighteen O Four, a marketplace for remote freelancers, working in such a way means “people are more time efficient, more responsive and can work more flexibly”. Organisations that allow fully remote work, she adds, are sending a message of trust in their staff, which can increase retention and loyalty.

Meanwhile, you need to make it clear how you will ensure smooth communication with your team, especially if you intend to go somewhere with a significant time difference.

Given we all spent long stretches working remotely during lockdowns, using a variety of communication tools, this may be straightforward. However, team development and team creativity are much easier (and more fun) in person, and the employer may be concerned about how you will address these.

Molly Johnson-Jones, chief executive and co-founder of Flexa, a flexible working directory, said it would be easier if there is already a culture in the organisation for a more flexible working style. “As long as the business needs can be achieved, staff satisfaction and engagement certainly do increase [when] given some freedom and choice.”

Some office time is likely to be desired, so you will need to negotiate how often you will return, whether it be a couple of days monthly, or a week each quarter, for example. As social creatures, humans generally respond more strongly to the person actually in front of them.

Working It newsletter

A recent Working It podcast highlighted how in some cases remote working raised the challenge of how to stay visible in the workplace, and also concluded some physical presence was essential. So some office time will help you, as well as the colleagues you work with. In-person meetings provide the oil and the glue that are important to maintain team spirit and an organisation’s culture.

Overall, your approach could help your employer develop an effective flexible working policy, clarifying how they measure and reward performance.

However, it is also worth considering what you can do if your employer decides to reject your request — which it may do for tax, visa and administrative reasons. Johnson-Jones added that even if you don’t have the right to work flexibly, you do have the right to choose which company you work for.

Readers’ advice

Society and law has not caught up on this trend yet, so it’s unlikely to be agreed. Life is short, so do what is best for you. If they want you, they will find a way to keep you involved as a consultant or employee. A sabbatical may be worth considering. (307261) 2002 MS4

I used to be an engineer many years ago with a well-known employee-owned consulting shop. Even pre-pandemic, I had the option to work remotely abroad. Yes, there were tax implications. The company employed a Big Four firm to provide the necessary tax support. If you think of it as an opportunity to refresh/retain and support employees, it is a wonderful thing to do . . . (at not great cost). Alan Jackson

You might want to check the regulatory position before you enter into any discussions. It may be that, depending on what your specific function is, your wishes cannot be legally accommodated in such a highly regulated industry. Grumpy

Jonathan Black is director of the Careers Service at the University of Oxford. Every fortnight he answers your questions on personal and career development and working life. Do you have a question for him? Email: dear.jonathan@ft.com.

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