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. Also, you should show up on time and hire staff to help you during the times that are not yours.
Requesting more work hours
Before asking for more hours, you need to know what your manager's expectations are. A manager wants his or her employees to be effective and reliable. Managers expect employees to be dedicated to the company and work hard. It is also important to be punctual and show your enthusiasm for the job. You must be prepared to work overtime or weekends, if needed.
Asking for more hours at the office should be done politely and in civil terms. Be polite and don't get defensive with your coworkers. If things are going well, it is the best time for you to ask. The tone of your voice can make a huge difference in whether you get the extra hours you request.
Respecting your time
Time management can be difficult because it is so easy to forget about the importance of showing up on-time. Many people struggle to stay on schedule because they don’t have a clear expectation that they will arrive at work and be gone by a particular time. They work on everything that comes up, and don't plan for important work. Consequently, when they leave the office at 5 PM, they still have a mountain of work to complete. Instead, pick a time of the day when you want leave work, then mark that time on your calendar. Next, set an alarm to your mobile phone. This will allow you to make a mental commitment that you will leave work on time.
Finding employees to cover shifts where you aren't interested in working
If you don't have the time to cover shifts or you don't have anyone to cover them for you, it's easy to find staff who are willing to step in. However, it's important to find someone who is available to work on your schedule. Find someone who is willing to work for you.
Having an availability chart can help you determine who is available to cover shifts, and can help you avoid wasting time by calling on employees who have no intention of working the shift. You don't want someone who works only opening shifts to be asked to come in on Tuesday. It's also a good idea to define a specific time period during which employees should notify managers about last-minute cancellations.
Communicating your request
Your request will be successful if you communicate with your manager. Approaching your manager should be courteous and respectful. Explain your reasons for approaching the manager and what benefits you hope to receive. It's also possible to share solutions from your job that would benefit the company. These ideas may be used by your manager to justify you working more.
Your boss's expectations should be known before you request an increase in hours. It is important to indicate that your request for more hours is not urgent. This should not be considered a matter of urgency. Give examples and an alternative plan for overcoming obstacles.