Could Telecommuting Benefit You?

Telecommuting - The very sound of it is appealing to those who prefer to work alone, get more done without a lot of commotion around them, and like the idea of working in their jammies once in awhile. And with the cost of maintaining office space, the overhead associated with it, as well as the expense of computer equipment, office supplies and other items that must be provided for employees who work on-site, more companies are allowing employees to start telecommuting if the nature of their jobs’ permit.

If you dream of telecommuting, but don’t know how to approach the telecommuting subject with your boss, or how to get started, here are some things to consider as you approach telecommuting.

Finding Out if Telecommuting is Possible

Check your policy manual and see if the company has a telecommuting policy. If you don’t see one, casually ask your manager or someone in the HR department if one is available.

Consider the business your company is in. Does it, by nature, allow for telecommuting? If you work retail, it’s obvious that you wouldn’t be eligible for a telecommuting position. But if you work in the back office, entering data, or doing any number of other miscellaneous tasks, you may be.

Research your company’s competitors. Do any of them offer their employees the option of telecommuting? If so, how is the program managed? The more you know in advance, the more equipped you’ll be when you talk to your supervisor about the possibility of telecommuting.

How’s Your Home Office

Do you have the office equipment you would need for telecommuting? This means a good computer, a fax machine, DSL or cable Internet connection, landline telephone and maybe even a copier. You’ll need them in order to even consider telecommuting as a real possibility.

Telecommuting and Advancement

You might want to ask yourself if telecommuting would harm your opportunity for advancement with the company. If so, are you prepared to give up a possible promotion in order to work from home? It’s a decision only you can make, but it’s best to make it before asking about telecommuting.

Have you demonstrated the proper self-discipline and ability to work independently that you would need if you were telecommuting each day? Unless your supervisor believes you have these skills, it’s highly unlikely she would approve you for telecommuting.

Making Your Telecommuting Task List

Make a list of the specific job tasks that you would be able to perform at home if you being telecommuting. Also make a list of the tasks you’d have to do in the office. Your chances of being approved for telecommuting are probably greater if you can do more tasks at home than not, though that may depend on the company’s mindset toward it.

After you’ve considered all your telecommuting options and how telecommuting will benefit the company, write it all down in a presentation format to present to your boss. Be sure you understand all the issues involved with telecommuting and you have answers to as many questions as you think he might ask.

Approval from the Boss

If approved, you’ll need to work with your boss to create a plan for telecommuting that works best for the company, your co-workers, your supervisor and you. Once everything is decided, as for a copy of the agreement in writing since you’ll need it to file taxes and deduct your home office equipment. It will also serve as documentation should there be any issues with you telecommuting later on.

Our Conclusion About Telecommuting

Telecommuting can truly be a dream job if your manager approves it. If it’s something you’d like to do, make a plan and work on it. And if at first you don’t succeed at telecommuting... keep trying until you do!

Telecommuting isn’t for everyone, so be sure you have the individual drive needed for a position like this.

Filed Under: Telecommuting