Of course the second email sounds better: it's an entirely different message.
Email #1 says: "If you want to work from home, ask for permission with an explanation."
Email #2 says: "If you want to work from home, let us know when."
Email #1 demands that you ask permission. That's what kills the culture. Most managers are going to approve 99% of the time anyway, so skip the power trip. The message of email #2 doesn't mean you lose the ability to deny either.
Email #1 says: "If you want to work from home, ask for permission with an explanation."
Email #2 says: "If you want to work from home, let us know when."
Email #1 demands that you ask permission. That's what kills the culture. Most managers are going to approve 99% of the time anyway, so skip the power trip. The message of email #2 doesn't mean you lose the ability to deny either.