How to ask for fewer hours at work?

Question

Zippia Team · Accepted Answer

You ask for fewer hours at work by submitting a work reduction hours letter. This letter is an effective and professional method for communication with management about your work hours. You must assess your reasons for reducing your hours at work and be able to communicate them effectively.

It is also important that you realize the drawbacks that may come with reducing your hours including:

Reduced income
Slowed career growth
Affected work relationships
Certification requirements
A decline in work abilities

If you decide that a reduction in hours is the right move for you, there are several online templates available to help you draft your work reduction hours letter. In general, your letter should start by thanking your manager or supervisor for their time and expressing your joy for your job and the company and your desire to stay.

You should also detail your current schedule and compare it with your proposed schedule. Be ready to explain why this schedule would work better for you and provide your reasoning for the deduction in hours. Describe the benefits of reducing your hours and how extra duties may be delegated.

It is important to be as specific as possible with regard to your proposed new hours. It will be easier for your boss to review and approve your request if they have the exact hours that you will work and can plan for work to continue to be done. It is also important to outline if this change is permanent or temporary.

Your final paragraph should thank your manager or supervisor for taking the time to read your letter and for their consideration of your proposal. Include a call to action to contact you with any questions or concerns. Also, let them know that you look forward to hearing from them.