Are you trying to figure out the most polite way to ask your boss for more hours at work?
Perhaps you’re worried that asking might be a bit unprofessional or rude.
Well, you’ve come to the right place.
This article will explain how to ask your boss for more hours in the best ways.
Is It Rude to Ask for More Hours at Work?
It is not rude to ask for more hours at work. Of course, it depends entirely on how you word it, but for the most part, there’s nothing wrong with asking.
We recommend it if you need more money or are looking to fill your time with more working hours.
It’s okay to ask, and most employers will be happy to hear it from you.
Even if they don’t have extra hours to offer, it still shows that you’re hard-working and interested in more.
Pros
- It’s a great way to let an employer know you’re keen on more work.
- It’s not rude.
Cons
- If you word it inappropriately, you could come across as rude or desperate.
- Sometimes, it can seem ungrateful to ask for more hours if it goes against your contract.
So, there’s nothing wrong with asking for more hours at work. However, you should know how to get more hours at work in the most respectful and polite ways.
Keep reading to learn how to ask for more hours at work. We’ve gathered some of the best alternatives to show you the best ways to approach your employer.
How to Ask Your Boss for More Hours at Work
- I appreciate the hours I have, but I wondered if I might have more
- Is it possible to discuss the potential for increasing my hours
- I would like to better support the team with more hours
- Could we discuss giving me more hours, please?
- I’m interested in potentially increasing my weekly workload
- Would you be willing to discuss more hours with me?
- I’d like to explore the option of increasing my hours
- Do you have any more hours to offer me?
- Would it be possible to request more hours?
- I’d appreciate being able to put more time into this role
1. I Appreciate The Hours I Have, But I Wondered If I Might Have More
Let’s start by learning how to ask for more hours in a letter. It’s smart to send a letter (or email) to your boss when you’re trying to broach a delicate subject.
You can write “I appreciate the hours I have, but I wondered if I might have more.”
To start with, showing appreciation for what you already do is polite and grateful. Therefore, it’s a great way to show that you’re not trying to insult your boss.
Then, you can ask for more by keeping things formal and direct. It’ll let your boss know you’re serious without trying to upset them.
You can also review this letter sample:
Dear Miss Adams,
I appreciate the hours I have, but I wondered if I might have more.
I look forward to hearing from you.
Best,
Jodie Kim
2. Is It Possible To Discuss The Potential For Increasing My Hours
Next, try “is it possible to discuss the potential for increasing my hours.”
This is a great way to ask for full-time hours when you need them.
It’s formal and direct. Your boss will certainly appreciate how polite it is and will be more open to discussing your options.
You should also check out this sample email if you still need help:
Dear Ms. Hamilton,
Is it possible to discuss the potential for increasing my hours?
I’m interested in working for longer, and I think my ethic has proved that I’m ready.
Yours,
George Ford
3. I Would Like To Better Support The Team With More Hours
You can also write “I would like to better support the team with more hours.”
This time, it’s more selfless and honest. It shows you’d like to increase your hours to help your team or company (rather than increasing them simply to make more money).
It still works if you’re not getting enough hours at work, but it keeps things more polite and respectful.
Also, here’s a great email example to show you more about how it works:
Dear Mr. Kitchens,
I would like to better support the team with more hours.
So, would you be willing to meet with me to discuss my options?
Best regards,
Steven Merchant
4. Could We Discuss Giving Me More Hours, Please?
It’s worth using “could we discuss giving me more hours, please?” in your formal emails.
It’s professional and lets your boss know that you’re interested in meeting with them. A meeting is a great way to discuss your hours to see what else is available.
Feel free to review this sample email to learn more about it if you still need help:
Dear Mr. Kidd,
Could we discuss giving me more hours, please?
I have been here for six months now, and I would appreciate an increase in workload.
All the best,
Maria Jenkins
5. I’m Interested In Potentially Increasing My Weekly Workload
You can ask for more hours at work with “I’m interested in potentially increasing my weekly workload.”
It’s direct and formal. So, it’s a great way to let your boss know that you’re keen to try something new and start picking up more hours.
It also shows you’re keen to get stuck in. There’s nothing wrong with asking someone for more work, especially if you’ve worked at a company for a while and think it’s time to step up.
You should also check out this sample email to learn more:
Dear Mr. Roberts,
I’m interested in potentially increasing my weekly workload.
Is that something you’d be open to discussing with me during a meeting?
Yours,
Ryan Tyler
6. Would You Be Willing To Discuss More Hours With Me?
Also, you can use “would you be willing to discuss more hours with me?” This is a great formal and polite question to include in an email.
You can politely ask for more hours by using this when messaging your boss. It’ll let them know that you’re open to negotiation, as you’re willing to meet to discuss more with them.
If you’re still unsure, you can check out this example:
Dear Miss Murphy,
Would you be willing to discuss more hours with me?
I’d certainly like to push myself and see if there’s anything more I can do to help.
Kind regards,
Taylor Stannard
7. I’d Like To Explore The Option Of Increasing My Hours
We also think it’s good to say “I’d like to explore the option of increasing my hours.”
It generally shows you how to ask for more hours in an email while remaining professional and sincere.
Most of the time, your boss will be happy to hear this from you. After all, it shows you’re keen and diligent, which helps them to understand that you’re going to be a hard-working employee.
Also, feel free to review this sample email to learn more:
Dear Miss Green,
I’d like to explore the option of increasing my hours.
When do you have availability to discuss this?
Thank you so much,
William Rude
8. Do You Have Any More Hours To Offer Me?
We also recommend “do you have any more hours to offer me?” This is a polite and direct question, showing that you’re happy to receive more hours at work if they’re available.
Try using it when you need more money. There’s nothing wrong with getting more hours at work when you need a financial boost.
Your boss will generally understand, and they’ll usually be happy to oblige.
If you’re still unsure, you should review this example:
Dear Mrs. Patricia,
Do you have any more hours to offer me?
Right now, I’d be open to picking up anything that’s available.
Thank you so much,
Bryan Shaw
9. Would It Be Possible To Request More Hours?
Another great question to include in your emails is “would it be possible to request more hours?”
This is a respectful and open question. It shows your boss that you’re happy to discuss terms if necessary.
Try it if you’re looking for more hours but are unsure of the etiquette in your business. It will let your boss know that you’re keen to move up and start earning more money.
Here’s a great sample email to show you more about how it works:
Dear Miss Dunphy,
Would it be possible to request more hours?
I’m available most days, so I’d be happy to fill any gaps.
All the best,
Charlotte Meer
10. I’d Appreciate Being Able To Put More Time Into This Role
Finally, you can use “I’d appreciate being able to put more time into this role.”
It teaches you how to ask for more hours at work in the most polite and direct way.
It’s respectful and sincere. So, your boss will usually be happy to oblige.
Of course, you won’t know until you ask. So, if you include this in an email, you’ll find out whether your boss has anything to offer you that might help.
You can refer to this email sample if you still need help understanding it:
Dear Mr. Bridges,
I’d appreciate being able to put more time into this role.
Please let me know if that’s something you can accommodate for me.
Best wishes,
Dan Hunt