How to Hire Home-Based Employees
Home-based employees work for your company from a remote location. Home-based employees can work from all over the world and stay in touch online with various technologies like video conferencing and screen sharing. They must be self-motivated and trustworthy and should have good communication skills to keep managers and other coworkers informed of work progress. Hiring home-based employees is similar to hiring office employees, with a few important differences.
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Instructions
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Consider whether the job is appropriate for working from home. For example, a writer or graphic designer can work from practically anywhere, but a database manager likely needs to work in the office or data center, so that might not be appropriate for someone who works remotely.
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Write a brief job description and advertise it online, in newspapers, on job boards and in other appropriate locations. Include in the job description the fact that the position is a work-from-home position, so only those interested in working from home should apply.
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Review applications and resumes and set up phone or video interviews with the best candidates. You can also meet in person if the candidate is in your area. Ask typical interview questions about work experience, education and skills, but also ask specific questions about working from home. Ask the candidate if she has ever worked full time from home and how she feels about working in a home office without direct supervision or coworkers.
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Make a job offer based on current salary statistics and the employee's experience. You can find current salary information from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (see Resources) or a variety of other salary websites. Include a benefits package such as 401(k) retirement savings account, health insurance and paid time off. Consider offering additional vacation time, so the employee has more chances to get out of the house, since she spends practically all day and night there.
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Ask the employee to download, fill out and send your human resources department the proper IRS documents. Staffed employees need to fill out an I-9, a W-4 and W-2.
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Ensure the new employee has an adequate workspace and all equipment needed. Ideally, the home-based employee has a home office with a door for privacy, as well as Internet and phone connectivity in the office. A printer and scanner, as well as a computer, are also necessary in most cases. It is up to you whether you pay for new equipment and utilities like the new employee's Internet bill. Also, make sure the employee has all necessary software and programs, as well as access to any file systems or databases she needs for her job.
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Create a working schedule and method to communicate progress and issues, so the employee feels less isolated.
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Tips & Warnings
Conduct regular calls or arrange a set time and method to communicate project and task status. For example, have the employee send a list of all projects and tasks she is working on for the week on Monday morning, as well as a progress report on Friday afternoon.
References
Resources
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