9 Best Ways To Ask For More Hours At Work (Sample Emails)

If you need more money, you might be interested in picking up more hours at work. Of course, there are plenty of other reasons why you might ask your boss for overtime, but money is a big one. This article will explore the best ways to do this.

1. I Am Available To Work More Hours

“I am available to work more hours” is a general statement we can use when we want to ask for more hours politely. It can mean that we want to increase our contracted hours, or we might want to take a few overtime hours (which are added to our pay).

Either way, using a phrase like this in an email is a great way to set up a strong relationship with your boss. They’ll learn that you’re reliable, and they can trust you to pick up hours when need be.

Perhaps it would help to see some sample emails to show you how it works:

• Dear sir,
• I am available to work more hours if you need me to. I would like to put my name forward for overtime.
• Thank you,
• Margaret

• Dear Mrs. Scott,
• I am available to work more hours should you need me to. I’m very fortunate to be as flexible as I am.
• All the best,
• Hogan

2. I Am Available For Overtime

“I am available for overtime” is a bit more specific. We use it when we are looking to work extra hours on top of our shift. Overtime hours aren’t usually permanent.

Instead, we only work overtime when we want more money and have some spare time. This is a good way to get in quickly with your boss to find out what they can offer.

• Dear Mr. Bradley,
• I am available for overtime if you need me. I’ll be happy to take on a few extra hours here and there.
• Let me know if you can fit me in,
• Jack

• Dear Mrs. Smugness,
• I am available for overtime, as I mentioned in the meeting earlier today.
• I look forward to hearing from you about this,
• Natasha

3. I Am Happy To Lend A Hand

You might only want to increase hours to help out with understaffing problems. If you know you’ve recently lost a few staff members, it might be smart to talk to your boss about increasing your own hours to make up for what they’re missing.

This is one of the best ways to get the boss to look at you in a positive light. It shows that you’re a team player. It also shows them that you’re able to work other people’s hours while they look for a replacement.

• Dear Mr. Horace,
• I am happy to lend a hand wherever possible. If you’re short-staffed at the minute, I’ll be there to help out.
• All the best,
• Dean

• Hey Mr. Christie,
• I am happy to lend a hand. Just let me know which times you need me to cover for you.
• My best,
• Geoffrey

4. I Am Always Ready To Work

“I am always ready to work” is a great one because it shows that you’re eager. If you really enjoy your job and you have the means to work more hours, there’s no reason why you can’t use a phrase like this.

Your boss will be very impressed if you can show this level of eagerness for your workload.

Even if they don’t have anything available right now, you are still setting yourself up for consideration in the future. This will show that you’re keen to help out and take on more hours whenever they’re required.

• Dear Mr. Damage,
• I am always ready to work. I’ll be happy to pick up a few extra hours whenever possible.
• Kindest regards,
• Jules

• Dear Mrs. Merriton,
• I am always ready to work. You know that I’m eager to please, and I’ll happily cover any hours you’re struggling with.
• I wish you well,
• Georgina

5. I Have A Flexible Schedule

“I have a flexible schedule” is a statement that implies you have time to work. Being “flexible” means that you have a lot of free time, or you’re able to move things around easily to accommodate any changes to your normal working life.

If you say something like this to your boss via email, then you’re letting them know that you’re happy to work for them whenever they need you. This could be a good way to show that you’re keen to take on new hours whenever possible.

• Dear Mr. Madsen,
• I have a flexible schedule right now. If there are any times you need to be covered by the staff, I’m putting my name in to help out.
• My best,
• Jason

• Dear Mrs. Cabbage,
• I know I’m only an intern, but I have a flexible schedule. So, if you need any hours covered, I’ll happily step up to help you.
• Best wishes,
• Craig

6. I Would Like To Take On More Hours

“I would like” shows that we’re keen to do something. “Take on more hours” shows that we’re looking to increase our hours. Combining the two politely like this is a great way to show your boss that you’re keen to take on more responsibility or hours at work.

• Dear Mrs. Magcargo,
• I would like to take on more hours. Do you have any that might be good for me to take on right away?
• Please let me know,
• Billie

• Dear sir,
• I would like to take on more hours to accommodate my new plans. Could you let me know if you have any going?
• Thank you for your time,
• Mr. Whitney

7. I Am (Reason You Need Money)

Honesty is always the best policy. If you want to ask to increase your hours, sometimes just being honest about the reason why more money would help you is all you need to do.

Most bosses are there to help their staff. They’ll listen to your needs and provide a way for you to get the most out of your time at work.

It could be wise to explain why you might need more hours. If money is the reason why you want to up your working time, you should be honest with your boss from the outset.

A sample letter might be more appropriate when you’re being honest like this:

• Dear sir,
• I am currently saving for a car, and I would love to be able to increase hours at work to make sure I can afford it.
• Please let me know if this is something you can help me with,
• All the best,
• Tommy Atkins

• Dear ma’am,
• I am looking to buy an engagement ring for my girlfriend, and I would love a chance to work longer hours if possible.
• Is this something that you can arrange?
• Yours faithfully,
• Peter Jackson

8. I Can Work Extra Hours Every Week

“I can work extra hours” is a great way to take the initiative. It shows that you have the time to spend working extra hours “every week.” This is usually a great sign for your boss.

It shows that you’re a keen and diligent worker. If you can get in on this level with your boss, they’re likely to view you better the next time you need their help.

• Dear sir,
• I can work extra hours every week right now. I have a few extra slots that have opened up.
• Let me know when works best,
• Dave

• Dear Mrs. Parker,
• Could you tell me if there are any new hours going for work? I can work extra hours every week right now.
• Thank you,
• Kyleigh

9. I Have Plenty Of Time Available In My Diary

We can start an email with this phrase to show that there is more time available in our day. While it doesn’t outright ask for more hours, it’s a clear indicator that we’re looking for more work.

Having a free diary is a good way to show your boss you’re interested in more while also being polite enough to not cause any issues.

• Dear Mrs. Pinkett,
• I have plenty of time available in my diary right now. Are there any hours that you’d like me to work?
• My best,
• Julietta

• Dear Mr. Smith,
• I have plenty of time available in my diary. Do you think you could set me up with a few more working hours?
• Thank you for your consideration,
• Pedro

Is It Rude To Ask Your Boss For More Hours?

Finally, let’s go over whether it’s rude to ask your boss for more hours in the first place.

You do not have to worry about sounding rude when asking your boss for more hours. It is not a rude question. If any boss makes you feel like you’re being rude for asking, then it’s likely that they’re not a good boss, and they don’t treat their employees well.

To a good boss, the worst thing you’ll hear back from them is “no.” If they don’t have any more hours to offer you, they can only reject your question. That doesn’t mean they’re insulted or think you’re rude. It just means they couldn’t find a way to give you more time.

You may also like:
10 Best Ways To Ask Your Boss For Time To Talk (Polite)
How To Politely Ask Your Boss To Pay You (Sample Emails)