Things You'll Need:
- You may need a fairly new computer that can handle your work, if your boss doesn't provide one.
- Same for phone equipment, including headphones. Or, you may need to have a second phone line installed.
- Appropriate software
- Fax machine
- High speed Internet.
- All of these needs may be irrelevant if your boss agrees to provide them.
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Step 1
Make a list of your job duties to be sure they really can be done from home so you can present a compelling case to your boss. Jobs that involve mostly working on computers and phones are good candidates for telecommuting. If there are some tasks that must be done in the office and must be done by you, you might ask to telecommute part time.
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Step 2
Ask yourself if you are considered a valued member of the team on your job. If not… if your job is hanging by a thread, don’t ask for favors or you may find yourself on the unemployment line. In addition, have you shown that you are a self-starter who needs little or not supervision? If not, make a plan to develop those work qualities over the next few months and hold off on your request.
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Step 3
Think about what you are willing to give up in exchange for working at home. Since your costs will be lower in terms of fuel, meals, wardrobe, and possibly childcare, are you willing to work for less? Not that you will have to take less pay, but it could be an important negotiating point.
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Step 4
Write up a proposal, detailing the benefits to your company if you telecommute, if you can, include the approximate amount of money that will be saved. For example, there may be many reasons why you'll be more productive at home (no fighting traffic, no coworkers to visit with, no lunch time errands). Your absence will free up desk space and parking space. And if childcare has presented a problem that has forced you to miss work, that situation should be eased by working at home.
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Step 5
Offer to telecommute on a trial basis, either for a few hours a day or a few days a week, subject to review in a month or some other period of time. Suggest a way to "check-in" in the morning, like with an e-mail, instant message, or phone call so coworkers know you are working. Provide an option for the boss to cancel the arrangement if it is not working out
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Step 6
Agree to come to the office for important meetings, or to pick up supplies or drop off files as necessary.
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Step 7
Check out sites such as Gotomypc.com. This site allows you to log onto your work computer from home, and access all the same files and programs you have at work. Even if you paid for it yourself, the monthly fee would be less than you’d spend buying a couple of lunches.
