There will be an adjustment period when making a transition to telecommuting. Be aware of what you may face from managers, co-workers, and even family members when you begin to work from home.
Your manager may be uncertain about how to manage you. This stems from the misconception that if she sees you at a desk typing, you must be hard at work. You could be IMing your boyfriend about what movie to watch later, yet she is still reassured. If you're at home, how will she know you are working?
The best solution is to hammer out a results-based performance review process. Set deadlines, goals, and communication strategies as you go. Get specific. How often does your boss expect you to check in? When you begin/end work each day? When a project is complete? And be realistic-a progress-report every 20 minutes will disrupt most tasks. If you plan to work non-traditional hours, let her know. That way she isn't calling your home in a panic while you're out on a bike ride.
Co-workers will be jealous. I once worked in a dentist office where I arrived 2 hours before most employees. Because of this, I left at 5 while most stayed until 7. Often, as I said goodbye, I heard hushed whispers. "Oh yeah-Melissa leaves early." They hadn't seen me arrive at 7:30, so to them it hadn't happened.
Remember that bike ride? Those without the flexibility to telecommute will accuse you of "not working." They fail to notice that when they're home in their PJs watching Law & Order, you're at your home desk filling out expense reports. It's one of the drawbacks to telecommuting, but in exchange you get more freedom. Bear that in mind, and ignore what others think.
People think you have endless amounts of free time. Witness the following between Mr. Dylan and me.
Him: Why didn't you clean the litter box?
Me: Because I had a million things to do. I've been working nonstop.
Him: But you take breaks, don't you?
Me: Sure. I eat. Go to the bathroom.
Him: Then why couldn't you at least stop and clean the cat box?
Me: When you take breaks at your job, do you grab a towel and start washing windows?
People mistake flexibility with "I have nothing to fill my days." Expect requests to come in for babysitting, rides to the airport, and emergency flat tires. Your family may come home expecting a gourmet home-cooked meal because you were "home all day." Stick to your guns. Telling them you're working should be enough, and eventually they'll catch on.
Check out more articles, like The Best Way to Motivate Employees or How to Talk to Tech Support.
