By now you've assessed your work situation and personal work style. You've decided telecommuting is an option you'd like to explore. Next step, approaching your manager.
It's important to keep in mind that your boss's number one concern will be the greater good of the company. While she may be open-minded enough to let you work from home in order to watch Days of Our Lives, more likely she's considering a bottom line. You need to convince her that telecommuting will improve your work life and benefit the company.
Be prepared with some data on telework. Joanne Pratt has done extensive research on the subject, and has learned that most teleworkers are actually more productive due to the following:
- More time working, less time commuting.
- Fewer interruptions (not just from co-workers, but from endless meetings and administrative processes).
- Ability to work at peak performance times.
- Less time lost to sick days (employee can work between rest periods).
- More time with clients.
Perhaps the biggest advantage to allowing employees to telecommute is employee morale. A happy employee is an effective employee. Allowing workers to use the work style that suites them best increases productivity and loyalty to the company. In one of Pratt's studies, 73% of teleworkers said they were happier with their jobs when they started working from home, and 63% said this positively affected their career.
This data should help your manager begin to see telecommuting as a plausible option. Next week we'll look at some concerns she may have, and how to address them.
Part Three: What to Expect When You Work From Home.
