Step1
Check if your employer has a telecommuting policy in place. You may want to do this casually (or quietly) to give yourself time to prepare your arguments before formally asking to work at home. Start with the Human Resources Department.
Step2
Read your Employee Manual carefully to see if there isn’t a telecommuting policy in place. Does it expressly forbid working from home? If so, find out why and see if you can address that. Also, check for other policies relating to flexible schedules. They may indicate your employer's willingness to consider telecommuting as well.
Step3
Check the company Mission Statement to see if working from home is in keeping with its spirit.
Step4
Find out if your competitors or other companies like yours in your region have a telecommuting program.
Step5
Consider whether telecommuting will hurt your chances of being promoted. Make sure you are comfortable with your priorities, whether they are getting ahead or working from home.
Step6
Evaluate your home office and available equipment. Do you have what you’ll need to do your job there? Itemize what you’ll need (computer, fax, high-speed Internet connection, phone, and so on).
Step7
Research telecommuting. The more you know the better your argument is going to be.
Step8
Consider if you have the self-discipline to work from home. Your boss needs to perceive you as being able to work independently and you actually need to be able to do it--two not necessarily related matters.
Step9
Consider if your job functions are adaptable to working at home. For example, writing is easier in the quiet comfort of home, whereas managing a team project isn’t. List what you can do from home and what you can’t--when you begin telecommuting, you’ll need to be very organized around these tasks.
Step10
Identify your unique selling points. Will you be more productive with the quiet time at home? Figure out how your employer will benefit from this arrangement.
Step11
Approach your boss with a concrete proposal (see below). Don’t bring up the issue until you’ve got your facts straight.
Step12
Work with your superiors to devise a system through which they feel comfortable supervising you remotely.
Step13
Get your arrangement in writing. You’ll need this for your taxes and in case there are any disputes with your employer.
Your Proposal
Step1
Present your proposal both orally and in writing. An oral presentation will prepare your boss for reading your “official” written proposal.
Step2
Emphasize how your employer will benefit from this arrangement.
Step3
Highlight your value to the company. If they don’t want to lose you, they’re more likely to let you have what you want.
Step4
Include when you would like to telecommute, which specific days per week or month.
Step5
Stress that you will be available by phone and email when you are working from home in case of last-minute priority changes that might bring you into the office or change what you’re working on. Instant messaging is a good tool for remote working of any kind.
Step6
Suggest how your employer might evaluate your productivity remotely. Their most likely objection is that they won’t be able to tell that you’re working (even if they don’t say this). Ultimately, they’ll need to decide on the evaluation criteria, but if you have some suggestions it might make them more comfortable with the idea of you working at home.
Step7
Describe your workspace at home. If you have a home-office already in place, tell them that. Explain what equipment you have (and need) and how it will help you do your job well.
Step8
Describe your personal reasons for wanting to work at home, whether it’s a family matter or to reduce your travel time, but remember that this a secondary concern to your employer after their needs are addressed.
Step9
Suggest a trial period. Most employers will feel more comfortable with a temporary commitment to this kind of arrangement.
Step10
Use your research. Employ a cost-benefit analysis if you think it will help. Cite how it works at other companies.
Step11
Be prepared for objections, and have (or get) the information to address them.
Step12
Don’t give up. If your proposal is shot down, keep collecting information and improving your argument.