Can You Telecommute?

Telecommuting is a great way to bring flexibility into the work/home life balance many of us are always trying to achieve. Here are a few tips for you if you’re thinking of making the jump to telecommuting full-time or even just a few days a week.

Before the Telecommute Begins:

• Find out the Situation- Unfortunately telecommuting isn’t always something you cans imply decide” to do and start doing. First thing you need to do is see if your company already has a telecommute program in place. If so, find out the requirements and check to see if your job fits. If not, prepare to make a pitch.
• Take a Closer look- take a realistic look at what you do and how much of it actually needs to be done from home.
• Do Your Homework- More and more research is coming out everyday about the benefits of a flexible workplace, which offers telecommuting and other such options. The first thing you need to do is make of a list of how telecommuting is going to help the company by increasing productivity.
• Make Your Pitch- Set up an appointment with your boss to pitch the idea. Make sure your pitch is both verbal and written. Go over the ways your job can be done from home, the benefits to the company, and be honest about the benefits for yourself. Don’t be afraid to tell your boss that you need to be there for your kids after school and this will solve the very serious childcare issue that’s been keeping you to working at full capacity.

Now Your Telecommuting:

Make sure your equipped – Make a list of all the things you’ll need at home and make sure you’re ready. Now your office may foot the bill for some or all needed equipment. But they may not. If you’re the one who’s pitched the idea, sharing the cost may be a compromise you need to make.

Location- Make sure you have an office or an equally designated space in your home for work. Though the couch may be tempting the reality is you need a work area to call your own and help you focus when you need to.

Stick to Schedule- Every Sunday make a schedule and stick to it! If you know between this time and that time you are working on a specific project or task, you’ll be more opt to stick to it and get it done.

Enjoy your new found flexibility and freedom!