ALT-4 How to Build a Case for Telecommuting
So you've decided that you have what it takes to begin working from home. Well, you are joining the ranks of increasing numbers of people who do so today. Your argument will be all the stronger if you are able to match your own capabilities with your employers' needs and expectations.
We shall assume that you yourself are convinced of your ability to work in such a system. Depending on your own track record, your employer would have a good gauge of your ability to work independently, to prioritize work and the keep to deadlines. If you are able to show your employer this, chances are he is more likely to be receptive to your request. Once your employer is comfortable with your own professionalism, begin to look at how your employer can benefit from the system.
Many employers today, would bend over backwards to retain good workers. And many employees today struggle to juggle family and work. If work life balance is the issue with you, your employer may be receptive to the idea of increased productivity arising from happier employees. The August 2007 online issue of Computerworld points out that 40% of companies today have systems in place to allow for remote work; a testament to the confidence many employers have in the system.
If the overheads involved in setting up office space are an issue, you can use this in defense of your case. Perhaps there is the appeal of the increased productivity when workers can spend the time they would normally spend on traveling to the office, on actual work. Make a detailed study of the hours you can gain to present this case.
Employers want the job done, and want some element of control over the process and end product of the job. Recognize this and address this issue. Offer a comprehensive work plan, perhaps indicating clear deliverables at precise time intervals. Ensure you think through the number of days you will be telecommuting make your case for why you need 2 days or 3 days a week. You could make reference to studies that have been conducted on the effects of telecommuting. A survey run by Pennsylvania State University and reported in theJournal of Applied Psychology2007, Vol 92 no 6, is one recent survey that shows up some positive outcomes. Among the various findings, they found that working from home for up to two days a week could benefit both employee and employer.
Needless to say, commuting into the office will be necessary to touch base with other employees or to meet clients. There is the benefit of the tacit transfer of knowledge that takes place in the case of employees conversing even casually, sharing knowledge and information. You will have to consider the extent to which you and your boss consider this important for the company. Generally, if you are in a small company just starting up, it is to the best interest of your company to meet often, in person. When coming up with your proposal, show your employer that you have taken the business needs into consideration.
The ease of communication today technically supports the desire to work away from the office. Many workers who choose to telecommute purchase their own essential equipment such as fax machines, lap tops etc. If you are lucky, you would be among the many employees whose company pays for it instead. If the communication infrastructure is in place, it will put your employer so much at ease.
The benefits of this working arrangement are catching on, and new support systems are being put in place to enable telecommuting. Take the product "GoToMyPc .com" Here is a product that has been designed to enable accessing the company's intranet, and other files from home. Remote Collaboration is possible between employees and the employer is able to be privy to the employees work schedules by studying their online work activity. This product addresses the fact that not all companies have the IT support to enable reliable remote access. This support can reassure your employer that he can get the best of the latest IT support while growing his business.
Ensure your venture into telecommuting shows success by planning carefully to meet your employer's needs. If this is something new that your company is trying to move into, you will have to think clearly about all the support systems that need to be put in place and the clear expectations that need to be established. If this is put together thoughtfully, there is no reason why telecommuting cannot be a win-win situation for you the employee, and your employer.
