| Telecommuting may seem like a dream come true; | | | | is available first before presenting your proposal. You |
| however, though some may find it more difficult that | | | | must also know detailed information about your |
| commuting. So many want desperately to work from | | | | company such as expansions, growth, consumer |
| home, that they neglect to plan, formulate and | | | | feedback, ideas on improvement as you will use this |
| negotiate a successful work option that will benefit the | | | | data to build your case on how working from home |
| employer as well as themselves. So here are some | | | | can possibly save the company money, build clients |
| tips and advice on making sure that your | | | | and improve team morale. |
| telecommuting move is the right one. | | | | Put Your Offer in Writing |
| Be Honest With Yourself | | | | Be specific on what your arrangements would be. Do |
| Before drafting your proposal to your current | | | | you want to come in only twice a week or only for |
| employer, be honest with yourself. Ask yourself, can | | | | meetings? Would you be willing to work at home on a |
| the work you do on-site be done from home? You | | | | trial basis contingent on performance and evaluation? |
| have to make sure that your tasks and duties can | | | | You can even start with a plan to only telecommute a |
| easily translate to a work home arrangement. Naturally, | | | | few hours out of the week, or on one week, off the |
| if you are working in a career field such as retail or | | | | next, until the employer feels comfortable with the |
| fast food, a transition such as this would not be | | | | arrangement and can trust that all work procedures |
| possible. | | | | can be handled independently. |
| You must also be honest with yourself about your | | | | You also want to indicate how you will effectively |
| performance. You should not expect your employer to | | | | communicate with your boss and your team while you |
| look favorably on a telecommuting proposal if you are | | | | are away from the office, this being instant message, |
| not in good standing. Telecommuting options are | | | | live chat, online meetings, phone and so on. |
| considered a privilege and one that would be | | | | In your proposal, make note of why you are qualified |
| rewarded for hard work and great attendance. If you | | | | to telecommute and what you hope to obtain from |
| are not at this level currently, then there is no better | | | | successfully working from home. Be sure to note, how |
| time to start then now. Show that you take pride in | | | | you can advance the company as well as yourself to |
| your work and that you value the company by | | | | the next level of whatever goals they are focused on. |
| constituting great ideas, strategies and opinions about | | | | Highlight any added services the company may have |
| the products or services your employer offers. | | | | been hinting on but never really quite sure how to go |
| Do You Have What it Takes | | | | about it; such as maintaining and online presence or |
| Once you are honest with yourself, you must then | | | | visiting local clients or even marketing. Use this |
| evaluate your skills and abilities and discover if you | | | | opportunity include ideas on campaigns or events that |
| have what it takes to work from home. It involves | | | | can bring more business to the company or |
| more than being able to do your job. You must be be | | | | researching a way to improve on a service by surfing |
| disciplined, responsible and a great communicator. You | | | | for new software that can make it easier for |
| must also be willing to adhere to any type of | | | | employees to do their job. |
| restrictions by the employer such as work scheduling, | | | | Your proposal must be well-thought, professional and |
| breaks and lunches, and periodically going in the office | | | | wanted. Present the idea first by talking to your |
| for shifts or meetings. | | | | employer and requesting that they at the minimum |
| Be Knowledgeable about your Company | | | | review your document before making a decision. |
| Some people work for companies that do business | | | | Research books and articles for samples. is a great |
| and maintain offices across the country, but they | | | | resource for helping those seeking telecommuting |
| never ponder about the type of flex options offered to | | | | options from their current employer. |
| employees. Find out from your HR if this type of option | | | | |