More and more companies are allowing the flexibility to work at least part-time from home. Before you approach your boss, it's a good idea to self-assess to see if you're a good candidate.
First, evaluate your work style. Some workers feel best donning a suit and sitting in an office. If you're easily distracted and need the threat of a hovering boss to buckle down and concentrate, be honest with yourself. Imagine explaining to the boss that you missed a deadline because you were busy building a fort out of couch cushions.
If you thrive on flexibility, a home office may be ideal. Some employees are more distracted in the workplace with people to chat with, coffee breaks, etc. Perhaps your most creative time is midnight, when you can sit down in your pajamas and hammer out some ideas. A nine-to-five structure often stifles a job where creativity and innovative thinking is imperative. Also, if your job requires a number of client calls (whether over the phone or in person), using your home as a base may help you feel more at ease and less stressed when approaching clients.
Second, be sure you have the resources at home to work. There must be a space set aside specifically-plopping a laptop on the kitchen table next to finger-paintings and carpet samples is asking for distractions. Have a separate room, or at least a desk in a corner that is "yours." If you're choosing to stay home for more time with your kids, understand that secondary child-care is still necessary. You don't want to be mid-diaper-change when an important client calls with questions.
Last, you must assess your current tasks and evaluate how much work can conceivably be done from a remote office. Calls from clients can easily be routed to a home line, but if your job requires physical interaction with a number of colleagues, doing this from home isn't realistic. Paperwork, e-mail, and even sales calls can be made from home. Greeting clients in a common reception area can not. Make note of what percentage of your workload can be done from home, and be ready to present those numbers to your boss.
Think telecommuting is for you? Next Week: Tips on approaching your manager.
