You want to ask your boss for more hours at work but don’t want to seem desperate or demanding.
This article is here to help!
Below, we’ll discuss whether it’s appropriate to ask your employer to give you more work hours.
Thereafter, we’ll show you how to ask for more hours in an email using 6 distinct phrases.
6 Ways to Ask for More Hours at Work
Check out these 6 different ways to politely ask for more hours at your job:
- Are there any extra shifts I can take on?
- I am available to take on more hours
- Is there any way I could get some extra hours?
- I have a flexible schedule
- I could use the extra money
- I’m happy to work overtime
1. Are There Any Extra Shifts I Can Take On?
“Shift work” refers to job roles where work is carefully scheduled, and different employees do a particular job in the rotation.
You are probably familiar with this phrase if you work in the hospitality industry or even in a hospital.
So, if you’re trying to figure out how to get more hours at work in a shift-based role, you can ask whether there are any shifts that aren’t currently taken by other employees.
The phrase are there any extra shifts I can take on shows your interest in increasing your hours without being overly demanding or pushy.
Therefore, let’s see this phrase in an email example:
Dear Benjamin,
I have received my course schedule and only have two days of classes per week.
Since I will have quite a lot of spare time at the beginning of the week, are there any extra shifts I can take on?
Kind regards,
Layla
2. I Am Available to Take On More Hours
The phrase I am available to take on more hours is a great option if you are currently working part-time at a particular job and you want to ask for full-time hours.
Alternatively, you can use this phrase to let a prospective employer know that you would be keen to work full-time.
You can also use this phrase to respond to an inquiry from you or to pose increasing your hours as a possible solution to any concerns your boss may have about being short on staff.
This phrase has a suitably professional tone for an email or letter to your employer, whatever the kind of work you do.
Consider this email sample:
Dear Ms. Snook,
I am aware that this particular position is part-time.
However, I am available to take on more hours during the week as needed.
Kind regards,
Klara Jasum
3. Is There Any Way I Could Get Some Extra Hours?
The phrase is there any way I could get some extra hours comes across a touch more casually than some of the other synonyms on our list.
Therefore, you should only use this phrase if you tend to have an open line of communication with your employer or manager.
For instance, you will be more likely to use casual phrasing in your emails to your superior if you work at a small business.
Let’s see a sample email that includes this phrase:
Dear Lisa,
Is there any way I could get some extra hours this weekend?
Kind regards,
Garret
4. I Have a Flexible Schedule
We will use our next alternative to show you how to ask for more hours in a letter.
I have a flexible schedule is a great phrase to use in a cover letter to let a prospective employer know that you are keen to work additional hours.
This phrase has a formal and professional register, which will help you make a good impression on the hiring manager reading your letter.
In addition, this phrase will create the impression that you are willing to work more hours as opposed to wanting to work more simply to be paid a higher salary.
This will make you a more attractive candidate to any employer.
For instance:
Dear Miss Puri,
I have noted that this role requires, at minimum, 25 hours a week.
However, I have a flexible schedule and would be willing to increase these hours as needed.
Yours sincerely,
Emil Marwa
5. I Could Use the Extra Money
If you work for a small business or simply have an open line of communication with your manager, you can be honest about the fact that you could use more hours because of your financial needs.
Although I could use the extra money is not the best phrase if you work in a formal industry, some employers will appreciate your honesty and candid approach.
After all, needing extra money for a particular purpose is a very legitimate reason to ask for more hours at work.
Moreover, many employers will be willing to accommodate you if you have been a consistent and hard-working employee thus far.
Have a look at this email example to see what we mean:
Hi Raji,
Would it be possible to increase my hours?
I could use the extra money what with Kimberly starting school this year.
All the best,
Lindsey
6. I’m Happy to Work Overtime
You can say I’m happy to work overtime when you’re not getting enough hours at work and you want to prompt your employer to utilize you more.
Technically, “overtime” refers to additional work that you might do outside your normal work hours. Generally, workers are paid more for this.
Therefore, if you know your boss could use the extra help and you could use the extra funds, this is a great option to go with.
In particular, the phrase I’m happy to work overtime will make you sound competent and enthusiastic about your job.
Whether this is true or not, this is certainly the impression with phrase gives!
Check out how we’ve used this alternative in our final email sample:
Dear Mr. Panjabi,
I am happy to work overtime this weekif the deadline for this project is strict.
Kind regards,
Jason Marks
Can I Ask for More Hours at Work?
It is perfectly okay to ask for more hours at work. In fact, this may even be considered a good thing. After all, your employer will usually be grateful for the additional help.
It is never inherently rude to ask for more hours at work. However, you should ensure that you use a polite and professional tone when asking for additional work.
In addition, you should keep in mind that your boss will not want extra work from you if you are not giving your best during your current hours.
In short, if you are asking for more hours because you need the money, make sure that you work well and consistently. Otherwise, your boss may be more reluctant to rely on you!
So, it’s perfectly okay to ask for more hours at work so long as you intend to put in a good effort during those hours.
