How to Ask Your Boss for More Hours at Work in an Email (With Samples)

Asking your boss for more hours at work can feel tricky. You want to sound enthusiastic and professional without overstepping.

This article gives you different ways to phrase your request in an email, with examples to match each situation. Whether your workplace is casual or formal, there’s a right way to make your ask.

How to Ask Your Boss for More Hours at Work in an Email (With Samples)

When you’re looking to work more hours, sending a thoughtful email to your boss can be a great approach. Here are 16 polite and effective phrases you can use:

1. I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to increase my hours?
2. Could we explore the idea of me working additional hours?
3. Is there a chance I could pick up some extra hours?
4. I’d love the opportunity to expand my role by working more hours. Can we talk about this?
5. I’m eager to take on more responsibility. Any chance there are extra hours available?
6. I’ve really enjoyed the work I’m doing and feel ready to take on more hours. Could we discuss this possibility?
7. I appreciate the hours I have, but I wondered if I might have more.
8. Could we discuss giving me more hours, please?
9. I’ve been really enjoying my work and was wondering if there’s a chance to take on more hours?
10. Just wanted to see if there are any opportunities to increase my hours.
11. I’m interested in picking up some additional hours if possible.
12. I’m looking to increase my workload. Are there any options for me to work more hours?
13. Are there opportunities for me to take on more hours in the coming weeks?
14. I’d like to explore the possibility of working more hours. Is that something we can talk about?

1. I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to increase my hours?

This alternative is best suited for a more informal or casual work environment. It’s polite and shows initiative without being too direct. It’s best used with bosses you have a good relationship with and where communication is typically relaxed. It can be sent via email or discussed in person.

Here is an example:

Hello Mark,

I was wondering if there might be an opportunity to increase my hours? I'm eager to contribute more and take on additional tasks as needed.

Best regards,
Emily

2. Could we explore the idea of me working additional hours?

This phrase is suitable for a semi-formal setting. It’s a polite request that shows your willingness to discuss the subject further. It works well with managers who prefer a structured approach to changes in work schedules. Email is the recommended communication channel for this message.

Check out this sample email:

Hello Susan,

I've been thinking about how I can further support our team's goals. Could we explore the idea of me working additional hours? I believe this could benefit our ongoing projects significantly.

Warm regards,
Jacob

3. Is there a chance I could pick up some extra hours?

This sentence leans towards an informal tone, making it ideal for casual workplaces or when you’re addressing a boss who encourages open communication. It suggests a level of flexibility and openness to discuss possibilities. This can be sent via messaging platforms your office might use or as a direct email.

Email example:

Hi Lisa,

I was hoping to chat with you about work. Is there a chance I could pick up some extra hours? I'm ready and willing to take on more to support our team.

Thanks,
Tom

4. I’d love the opportunity to expand my role by working more hours. Can we talk about this?

This alternative is suitable for environments that value growth and development. It’s both polite and professional, expressing enthusiasm and a desire for more responsibility. It’s appropriate for both email communication and in-person discussions, depending on the formality of your workplace.

Example:

Hello Carla,

I've been reflecting on my role and how I can contribute more effectively to our team. I'd love the opportunity to expand my role by working more hours. Can we talk about this? Please let me know a convenient time for a meeting.

Best,
Jordan

5. I’m eager to take on more responsibility. Any chance there are extra hours available?

This phrase shows enthusiasm and willingness to contribute more to the workplace. It’s especially suitable for a conversation that is a bit informal but still professional. It works well in an environment where initiative is appreciated and where you have previously shown a strong work ethic. This could be sent via email or discussed in a casual in-person meeting.

Here’s an example:

Hello Jenna,

I'm eager to take on more responsibility. Any chance there are extra hours available? I'm ready to step up and help our team achieve more.

Thank you,
Alex

6. I’ve really enjoyed the work I’m doing and feel ready to take on more hours. Could we discuss this possibility?

This approach is excellent for someone who wants to communicate both their satisfaction with their current role and their desire to contribute more. It’s polite and formal, making it suitable for email communication with a boss you may not have a personal relationship with. It’s perfect for showing appreciation for your job while also signaling your readiness for more work.

Sample message:

Dear Mr. Roberts,

I wanted to express that I've really enjoyed the work I'm doing and feel ready to take on more hours. Could we discuss this possibility? I believe there are areas where I can provide additional support.

Best wishes,
Sophia

7. I appreciate the hours I have, but I wondered if I might have more.

This sentence is a humble and respectful way to ask for more hours. It’s well-suited for a formal or professional setting where directness needs to be balanced with politeness. It’s a good option when emailing a supervisor with whom you maintain a formal rapport. This phrasing shows gratitude for the current situation but also opens the door for discussing an increase in hours.

Example:

Dear Dr. Thompson,

I want to start by saying how much I appreciate the opportunity to work with you and the team. I appreciate the hours I have, but I wondered if I might have more. I'm keen to contribute further to our collective goals.

Sincerely,
Oliver

8. Could we discuss giving me more hours, please?

This question is straightforward and to the point but still keeps a polite tone. It’s appropriate for use in a somewhat informal setting or with a manager whom you’ve had open and frank discussions with before. It’s best for an email or a face-to-face conversation where directness is valued, and there’s already an understanding of your work ethic and contributions.

Take a look at this email example:

Hey Pat,

I hope you're having a good day. Could we discuss giving me more hours, please? I'm very much interested in dedicating more time to our projects.

Thanks,
Dylan

9. I’ve been really enjoying my work and was wondering if there’s a chance to take on more hours?

This line is great for someone who wants to show they are happy at their job and looking to contribute even more. It’s informal and suggests a conversation more than a formal request. This makes it perfect for a relaxed work environment or when talking to a boss you feel comfortable with. It’s especially suited for an email or even during a casual catch-up meeting.

Example email:

Hi Casey,

I just wanted to reach out to say that I've been really enjoying my work and was wondering if there's a chance to take on more hours? I'm very keen to deepen my involvement in our projects.

Cheers,
Nate

10. Just wanted to see if there are any opportunities to increase my hours.

This phrase is very straightforward but keeps things on the lighter side. It’s best for when you have a good working relationship with your boss and can be a bit more direct. This approach is informal but still shows you’re serious about wanting to work more. An email or a quick chat works well for this kind of request.

Here’s an email sample:

Hey Alex,

Hope you're well. Just wanted to see if there are any opportunities to increase my hours. I'm ready to take on more challenges and help out wherever needed.

Thanks,
Jamie

11. I’m interested in picking up some additional hours if possible.

This line is polite and shows your interest without putting too much pressure on your boss. It’s a bit formal and very professional, making it suitable for many types of work environments. It’s perfect for those who want to offer themselves for more work in a way that’s considerate of their boss’s and the company’s needs. An email would be the most appropriate way to communicate this request.

Sample message:

Dear Mr. Wells,

I hope this message finds you well. I'm interested in picking up some additional hours if possible. Please let me know if there's any extra work I can help with.

Kind regards,
Rebecca

12. I’m looking to increase my workload. Are there any options for me to work more hours?

This sentence is a clear and direct way to ask for more hours, while also being polite and professional. It’s suitable for a workplace that values straightforward communication but where you also need to show respect for the hierarchy and processes. This request could be made through an email or during a formal performance review.

Here is a sample email:

Hello Dr. Singh,

I've been reflecting on my goals and how I can contribute more to the team's success. I'm looking to increase my workload. Are there any options for me to work more hours? I am very much willing to take on additional responsibilities.

Best regards,
Erica

13. Are there opportunities for me to take on more hours in the coming weeks?

This question is informal and works well if you’re looking for temporary extra hours, perhaps due to a seasonal rush or a specific project needing more hands. It shows you’re flexible and looking to help out in busy times. This would be most appropriate in an email or a casual conversation with your boss.

Email example:

Hey Jordan,

With the upcoming busy season, are there opportunities for me to take on more hours in the coming weeks? I'm ready to support the team in whatever way is most needed.

All the best,
Mia

14. I’d like to explore the possibility of working more hours. Is that something we can talk about?

This line is formal and professional, making it ideal for a structured organization or when addressing a superior with whom you haven’t established a casual rapport. It’s a respectful way to start a conversation about increasing your workload. An email is a perfect way to bring this up, allowing your boss to consider the request and respond when convenient.

Here’s a sample email:

Dear Mrs. Harper,

I have been considering ways in which I can further contribute to the success of our team. I'd like to explore the possibility of working more hours. Is that something we can talk about? I would appreciate the opportunity to discuss this with you.

Sincerely,
Luis

Final Thoughts

Asking for more hours is about finding the right words that show your interest and respect for the workplace. This article offered several ways to craft your request, fitting different levels of formality. By choosing the approach that best matches your situation, you can speak up confidently. Getting the tone right might not only lead to more hours but also strengthen your relationship with your boss.