How to approach your boss about reducing your hours

In our New Zealand Seniors Series: Working Seniors Report 2023, we found that even though the majority of seniors who continue working beyond 65 do so because they enjoy working (65%), the most common plans for preparing for retirement included working fewer days (12%) and reducing hours over time (10%). 

So how can you have that conversation of requesting flexible or reduced hours at work? 

For a little insight and a lot of wisdom, we interviewed Erica Steele, a Career Coach and Personal Counsellor. Here’s what she had to say. 

How do you talk to your boss about reducing your work hours?

“The first thing I would say to people is do some research and due diligence first, and preferably plan early.” explains Erica. Start planning at least 1-2 years ahead of when you would want to approach your boss about the possibilities.

She goes on to explain that it can be a good idea to keep an eye on part-time opportunities available at your existing company. You might be able to approach the manager and talk about making the switch, which can be a good solution as it doesn’t require them to restructure your existing role. 

Our Working Seniors Report found that just 27% of seniors think it’s very important to discuss pre-retirement plans with their employer, highlighting how essential this tip is. 

Unfortunately, “the days of gliding smoothly into retirement via reduced hours are largely gone unless you’re one of those people who is in a skills shortage area,” Erica states. 

Adding that people may want to think about getting careers advice if they’re looking to make this kind of move, as her recruiter contacts are telling her that there are 30% more inquiries from people over 50 right now. 

Erica also suggests looking around for contracting positions and getting feedback from recruiters about what’s available on the market right now in terms of flexible working arrangements.  

How do we communicate our needs during these conversations?

Going into these meetings, it’s always good to have a game plan. That is, think about what you want, why it’s important to you, and have it written down so you don’t miss anything important during the meeting. Evaluate your thoughts through your boss’s lens too. Think about what’s important to them and how it may affect the outcome.

When making changes to a work schedule, Erica stresses the importance of having an actual sit down meeting (rather than a casual conversation by the coffee maker) so you can talk through the plan. 

“Make sure you have a proper meeting with your manager and agree specifically what changes are viable, and in what contexts. For example, your boss may be planning a restructure, as is prevalent these days. If that’s the case, you may be entitled to a ‘consultation period’ before final changes are made. This can be a valuable time to network with others to see if there are alternative ways of structuring roles that the employer may not have thought of, particularly if you don't like the proposed changes,” she explains. 

Is there a way to find a solution that works for both parties?

Consistent meetings, Erica says. 

“Make sure you have those regular performance check-ins and reviews prior to asking them. Make sure you cover some of your strengths and achievements in those meetings that are relevant to flexible or part time hours. Just say, I may be looking at some other options regarding work in the next couple of years. But I would love to keep working here. How do you see things progressing from here? What options are available?’"  

This can set the expectation for when you are ready to make the move, and also help them create a plan for your reduced hours with enough warning to make it happen. 

How can you make it more likely that you’ll get a ‘yes’? 

One approach is to think about a few options that could work for you, so your manager isn’t tasked with figuring it out themselves, and doesn’t feel like they’re being given an ultimatum. 

For example, perhaps they could hire another part timer and split the hours between you? Or perhaps you can drop down to nine-day fortnights for the next six months, then drop down again after that time is up. 

How can we prepare for managing reduced hours?   

New Zealand has one of the highest rates of people aged 65+ still working in the world, at 24% (Australia is half that at 12%). It certainly seems there are some concerns around working reduced hours. 

One of the biggest concerns about reducing your hours is the possibility of the reduced income that comes with it. Erica outlines some good points to consider before making this change to your career:

“How will you protect yourself against unexpected financial shocks or other things happening because you may not have the same income going forward?” 

She continues by saying “What are some good opportunities for upskilling if you're still career-minded? Are there other options like secondment, unpaid leave entitlements, and contract work?”  

Erica emphasises the importance of having a plan B in case of another big concern: your boss could say no. 

“Don't make your current job your only option, especially if you are reliant on your income because nothing's guaranteed,” she says. 

“You want to feel like you're walking in there and knowing, ‘Yes, I've got some other options, and I'm coming from a position of strength,’ and that takes a lot of preparation and realism.”

Keep in mind, you do have the right to ask your employer to change your work arrangements. However, they also have the right to turn the request down if they have a valid reason. 

Do you have any final words of wisdom for us?

“Be aware, not wary, and take plenty of time to research options.”

Erica also adds that it’s normal to feel vulnerable asking for this kind of change. She has found through her years of career counselling, that many of her clients tend to think about a career change for 2 to 3 years, or longer, before putting anything into action.


Like with any work or financial decision, it’s important to consider it carefully, and potentially seek expert advice and support. 

And if supporting your family is a concern for you, keep in mind that Seniors Term Life Insurance is one option to help secure peace of mind if you are no longer around (within a specific term) to work and pay those bills. Request a quote online today to learn more.