The dream of waking up, rolling out of bed, and logging onto your computer to start work in your pajamas is a reality for some. I’m one of the lucky ones; I work for a company that promotes working from home as a viable option. For me that is on a part-time basis, two days a week -- a trend that is on the rise. Companies are willing to allow this flexibility more than ever before, recognizing the many benefits that this arrangement has to offer. The number of Americans working from home at least one day a week has increased from 12.4 million in 2006 to 17.2 million in 2008 (WorldatWork Trendlines, 2009). Judging by the dramatic increase in a two-year period this is a trend that’s likely to continue.
Part-time Telecommuting Advantages:
There are numerous advantages to working from home, for both employers and employees alike. As an employee who has transitioned to telecommuting part-time over this past year, the experience for me has been overwhelmingly positive. Primary benefits that I’ve enjoyed include:
- better work/life balance
- higher productivity
- reduced commute time
- savings on gas and car insurance
- taking less sick time
- higher job satisfaction
- feeling more likely to stay with my current employer
I have found that working part-time is a good balance between the advantages, and what some might view as downsides to working remotely. People cite the potential of feeling isolated, a lack of team cohesion, or the loss of interaction with their peers as disadvantages to telecommuting. By working part-time remotely it still allows me to have contact with my fellow coworkers, and likely sets my employer’s mind at ease knowing they can still physically see me most of the time.
Who Makes Good Telecommuters?
Working from home is not for everyone. In my experience, you do need to be self-motivated, not easily distracted by home commitments, and have a position where your work is measurable. Some of the most suitable occupations for telecommuting include technology workers (programmers, graphic designers), writers/editors, accountants, salespeople, or lawyers, just to name a few. Positions that require face- to-face interaction with customers clearly would not allow this sort of arrangement, such as someone working in retail. Likewise, if an employee needs constant supervision chances are an employer would not be comfortable in allowing that person to telecommute. Having an experienced track record where trust and a good working relationship has already been established can be a starting point to introduce the subject to your employer.
Approaching the Boss
If you are looking to approach your boss about the possibility to work from home, perhaps a realistic proposition is beginning on a part-time basis. Having the infrastructure in place to allow you to do that is of course a necessity. Many companies already have the IT security in place if someone needs to access a company’s information system to conduct their work. This will be an upfront requirement before broaching the subject of telecommuting with your employer.
Multiple modes of communication are also important when considering whether a telecommuting arrangement is going to work. In my company we have the typical email and voicemail, but also instant messaging so anyone can reach me on a moment’s notice. Having that accessibility I believe has been key to our arrangement being successful. After assessing basic IT infrastructure, ask yourself questions like is your work output something that they can measure? Are you a trusted employee that has demonstrated a solid performance? What communication tools will be used between your and your employer? Be prepared to state your case for why you would make a good candidate for telecommuting, and stress potential benefits for the employer (such as higher productivity). Knowing that you can get your work completed, already have a good track record, and are easily accessible could go a long way in gaining permission to telecommute, which could ultimately lead to greater job satisfaction.
Rachelle Waldron - Rachelle Waldron works for a health insurance company and holds a master's degree in public health.
Join the Conversation