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In this guide, we'll cover the question of 'how to ask my employer to fund a coworking desk with confidence'. We’ll include what to say, how to show the value, and tips that make your request easier to approve.
Tips for Asking For A Coworking Desk
1. Prepare Your Case Well
Before you send that email or schedule the meeting, get clear on why you want this. Answer these questions truthfully:
- How will a coworking desk help you do your job better?
- Will it improve your focus, reduce distractions, or enhance collaboration?
- Can you show examples where working remotely improved your results?
- Are there any costs you can offset, like reduced office space use?
Gather facts, figures, or even testimonials if possible. Maybe your company already supports remote work or has flexible benefits. Use those policies to back up your ask.
2. Understand Your Employer’s Perspective
Think about what your employer wants to hear. They care about:
- Productivity and results
- Cost efficiency
- Employee well-being
- Company culture and teamwork
Frame your request around these points. For example, explain how a coworking desk will help you meet deadlines faster or produce higher-quality work compared to a typical office. Mention if it will reduce your commuting stress, which often affects performance.
Be ready to address concerns about communication or collaboration. Suggest ways you’ll stay connected, such as regular check-ins or video calls from private offices.
3. Choose the Right Time and Method
The timing of your meeting matters. Avoid asking during busy periods or right after a major project stress. Ideally, pick a moment when your manager is open to new ideas, perhaps during performance reviews or one-on-one meetings.
How you ask matters too. Some people prefer email so the manager has time to think. Others prefer a face-to-face conversation or video call. If you’re unsure, start with an email outlining your request and then suggest a follow-up chat.
4. Make the Ask Clear and Simple
Keep your request straightforward. Don’t overcomplicate or apologize too much. Be confident but polite.
exampleFollow up with how you plan to track the benefits or provide updates through online platforms. This shows responsibility and transparency.
5. Offer to Share the Cost or Try a Trial Period
If you sense hesitation, offer to cover part of the cost with your own money or suggest a trial period. This reduces risk for your employer and shows you're willing to meet them halfway. You can also mention that co-work spaces often offer flexible month-to-month plans to coworking members, which makes the commitment easier to manage.
exampleTrial periods make the idea less risky and give you a chance to prove the benefits firsthand. It's a practical way to show that you're focused on results, not just perks.
6. Highlight the ROI (Return on Investment)
Talk about ROI, and not just in money but in time, focus, and results.
example- “With a coworking desk and private meeting rooms, I expect to cut down distractions by X%, which means more billable hours.”
- “Improved focus will help me meet deadlines consistently, benefiting the whole team and business plan.”
If you have past examples where flexible working improved your output, share them. Numbers and concrete examples make your case stronger.
7. Address Common Concerns
It’s natural for employers, especially small business owners, to have concerns when you ask for funding for a coworking desk. They might worry about communication gaps such as how you’ll stay connected with the team when you’re working remotely. They may also question whether the cost is justified by the benefits, or worry about setting a precedent that encourages similar requests from others.
To ease these worries, address each concern thoughtfully. Explain your plan for staying in regular contact, like scheduled check-ins, video calls, or instant messaging. Offer to provide progress updates to demonstrate accountability. Show you understand the bigger picture by highlighting how this arrangement can improve your work without disrupting the team dynamic while you save money.
8. Follow Up Professionally
If your employer doesn’t give you an immediate answer, don’t rush them. Give them a reasonable amount of time, typically a week or two, to consider your request. After that, follow up politely and professionally. A simple message like, “I wanted to check in on my request for coworking desk funding. Please let me know if you need any more information from me,” keeps the conversation open without pressure.
Following up shows you’re serious and organized, but also respectful of their time. It gives your employer a gentle reminder while leaving room for dialogue.
How to Handle a “Maybe” Response About Becoming a Coworking Member
Sometimes, your employer won’t give a clear yes or no. Maybe they need time to review cash flow, talk to other decision-makers, or simply want to think it over. A “maybe” response doesn’t mean a rejection, it’s just part of the process. Here’s how to handle it like a pro.
First, stay patient and don’t panic. Giving your manager space shows respect and professionalism. Remember, these decisions often take time, especially when budgets and policies are involved. Resist the urge to push for an immediate answer, because that can come across as impatient or demanding.
Next, prepare additional information in case your employer asks for more details. Maybe they want to see a cost breakdown of the coworking market, examples of productivity gains, or how you’ll stay connected while working remotely with other coworking space members. Having this ready will help you respond confidently.
Final Thoughts
Asking your employer to fund a desk at a coworking business can feel intimidating, but it doesn’t have to be. The key is coming prepared with a well-thought-out plan that highlights clear benefits of the coworking industry for both you and the company. When you focus on how this investment can boost your productivity, improve work quality, and even enhance your well-being, your request becomes more than just a personal ask, it becomes a smart business decision.
Stay open and transparent in your communication, listen carefully to your employer’s concerns, and be flexible about terms like trial periods or partial funding. This shows professionalism and a willingness to find solutions that work for everyone.
