If you frequently have to schedule doctors appointments during the workday, or if the side effects from treatment make working in an office challenging, you may want to consider flexible work. 

For many, flexible work can be a viable solution and a reasonable accommodation that enables them to continue working through cancer. But in order to secure a flex-work setup, first you need to create a plan — then you have to sell it to your boss.

A recent FlexJobs.com blog post cites a Harvard University template for a flexible-work arrangement proposal, which Harvard staffers use to request flexible work. That could be a good place to start.

The FlexJobs post goes on to highlight four key things to include in a flexible-work proposal:

1. State the specifics of what kind of flex situation you want (e.g., telecommuting, flexible hours, job-sharing, etc.).

2. Propose a schedule. Seeing it spelled out will help your boss to understand the reality of your desired arrangement.

3. Explain how this will benefit the company. For most managers, the deciding factor will be whether the change will impact the organization. So think of reasons why what you’re proposing will be good for business. For example, will you be more productive because you can better manage your side effects from the comfort of your home? Will you require less time off since you can work around your doctors appointments?

4. Be prepared with alternative suggestions or a backup plan, in case your boss has concerns about any part of your proposal.

For more advice from FlexJobs.com and to read the entire blog post, click here.

For more Cancer and Careers’ posts on flexible work, click here.