It is important to know how to present oneself if you want to get more hours at your job. If you are able to focus on your strengths and what you can do for your company, it will be easier to convince them to give you more work hours. You should also show up on time and find staff to cover shifts that you don't want to work.
Asking for more hours at work
Before you ask for additional hours, find out what your manager expects. A manager expects his or her employees be reliable and productive. This means that the manager should expect employees to work hard, and to show commitment to the company. It is important that you are punctual and have enthusiasm for your job. If needed, you will be willing to work extra hours and weekends.
You should ask for more work hours in a polite and civil manner. You should not be defensive towards your coworkers. The best time to ask is when things are going well. How you speak can impact the outcome of whether you are granted extra time.
Showing up on time
The most important aspect of time management is being on time. Many people fail to be on-time because they don't know when they should show up at work or leave at a specific time. People work on whatever is urgent and don’t schedule enough time to do important work. They still have a lot of work to do when they leave the office around 5 pm. Instead, choose a time each morning that you want to leave. Block it off on your calendar. Then, set an alarm on the phone. This way, you can develop a psychological commitment to leave work on time.
Staffing for shifts you do not want to work
It is possible to find staff to cover your shifts if you are unable to or unwilling to make the effort. You need to make sure that you find someone who is flexible and available to work with your schedule. Find someone who is willing to work for you.
A chart of availability can help determine who is available and avoid you calling on employees who may not be interested in the shift. It is not a good idea to ask employees who work only on Tuesdays for their open shifts to work on Tuesdays. It is also helpful to set a time frame within which employees must notify managers about any last-minute cancellations.
Sending your request
Communicating with your manager will make it easier for you to get your request approved. When approaching your manager, be polite and respectful. Explain the reason for your request and state the benefits you expect to receive. You can also share solutions you've identified in your job that will benefit the company as a whole. The manager can use these ideas to justify giving you more hours.
Your boss's expectations should be known before you request an increase in hours. It is important that you state that your request to increase hours does not need to be urgent. Give examples and an alternative plan for overcoming obstacles.