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Women sometimes request reduced work schedules in order to achieve a better balance between work and life, and those who change to reduced schedules are generally satisfied even though they receive less pay. If you are considering such a change, first check into established company policies. Is there any type of precedent? Are there any preexisting programs? It is often in an employer's interest to consider such request, since there can be substantial cost associated with losing top talent in lieu of addressing work-life issues. Employees tend to stay with a company longer when they are allowed flexible work arrangements. But before approaching the boss, ask yourself some important questions to determine if you're ready to scale back:

SHOW THE BENEFITS. When you ask for a reduced work schedule, you will want to show how this arrangement benefits you and your employer. This is a viable strategy when you have a special or in-demand skill, or when you have a particularly solid relationship with your employer. In some cases, it is more cost effective for the company to allow you to scale back than to risk losing you. In asking for an accommodation, explain why this is important to you both personally and professionally, and how it will benefit the company. Resist the urge to scream, "I'm about to rip my hair out from all the stress of a new baby, and I'm falling asleep on these conference calls because I don't get any shut-eye at night." Instead, focus on why a new arrangement would benefit your employer. For example, "My responsibilities at home have increased with the birth of our second child. I want to continue working at the firm, but I would like to request a reduced work schedule for the next year so that I can enjoy my family and stay connected to my professional interests. Although this means that I will have to accept fewer projects, I will maintain my sharp focus on my existing and future assignments and carry them out with the same level of professionalism and expertise that I've always demonstrated. Would you be agreeable to discussing the parameters of such an arrangement since it would enable you to retain my services?"

Research the competition. As part of your pitch to your boss, include any details about flexible work arrangements offered by leading employers in your industry, as well as those in your area. Include comments from media coverage or information from the company Web sites that speak to these benefits.

OFFER BENCHMARKS. Offer specific methods for measuring the success of the new arrangement. Express your long-term commitment; otherwise, your employer may think that you are considering quitting. Reflect carefully on how the arrangement will work. You must anticipate potential problems ahead of time and avoid them. For example, your new work schedule may preclude your attending certain meetings. How will you stay on top of that information? How will you demonstrate your accountability? What hours will you be available and on what terms? Once you determine what you think you'll be comfortable with and what you're realistically willing to mange given your personal priorities, you can present your thoughts in detail to your manager. Be open to negotiating a middle ground that is agreeable to both of you. If necessary, propose a three month trial period in which both sides will have the opportunity to evaluate the new arrangement.

MONEY MATTERS. You can't expect to work far fewer hours for the same pay. You may be required to take a cut in bouth salary and benefits. Some large companies have specific protocols that dictate financial terms. If you're scaling back 50 percent of your workload, you can expect to receive some reduction of your current compensation. The amounts may be negotiated, depending on your seniority and your value to your company. You'll also want to pay particular attention to health insurance, 401k and other savings and investment plans, and paid vacation. Your employer may provide equipment and services for your home office as part of the overall deal.

Excerpted from 'Take This Book to Work: How to Ask For (And Get) Money, Fulfillment and Advancement' by Tory Johnson & Robyn Freedman Spizman. Copyright © 2006 by the authors and reprinted by permission of St. Martin's Press, LLC.