ALT-10 How to Build a Case for Telecommuting
While telecommuting is gaining momentum in the American workplace, it still isn't an option for most employees. The concept has merit, and if you add the rising cost of gas to the picture, it can be considered a financially smart move, too. Plus, less driving is an environmentally-wise choice. So how does the working professional propose this type of option to management? Since most managers will have a list of reasons why they don't want employees working from home, the initial presentation is crucial.
Before you even begin to prepare that first chart or graph showing how wonderful it would be if you could work from home, examine yourself as an employee. Are you a self-starter? A good employee with a proven track record? Are you considered trustworthy and reliable? Do you work well without supervision? If you answered 'yes' to all of the above, you are a good candidate for telecommuting. However, if you answered 'no' to even one question, you might be better off improving your work record before asking about telecommuting.
Do your homework. How will telecommuting benefit the company? Will there be any initial startup costs? What are the short-term and long-term cost savings? How will clients reach you if necessary? Will this be part-time or full-time telecommuting? How will this affect the rest of the staff? You need to have a concrete plan in mind and it has to be workable.
Do you have a quiet space in which to work uninterrupted? If there are toddlers underfoot since there is no need for a babysitter anymore, the dog needs a walk and the washer has to be emptied again, working from home may not be in your best interest. Sometimes, working from home may be more difficult than fighting the rush hour traffic five days a week.
Map it out. What are you willing to give to make this happen? Perhaps you are prepared to take on a few extra responsibilities without extra pay for the option of working from home. Studies show you will save almost 40 percent of your gas costs by telecommuting just two days a week so maybe giving up a portion of your next raise might be an option. Make it a give-and-take venture and your boss may find the idea more appealing. Offer to try telecommuting on a trial basis to see if it will be beneficial to everyone concerned.
If you already have most of the equipment you need to work from home, such as a computer with a high speed Internet connection, an available phone line to use for business and any other necessary items, you may have a better chance of getting approval. Remember, telecommuting has to be a choice that works well for everyone. So examine your reasons, weigh your options, prepare your case, and present a professional proposal to your manager for your best chance to begin telecommuting in your current position.
