How to Prepare a Telecommuting Proposal

Are you frustrated spending precious time in traffic commuting to and from work? Are you wondering how to broach the subject of telecommuting or working from home with your boss? Here are some ideas for writing a telecommuting or teleworking proposal:

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. First, do some investigative work and find out if your employer already has a telecommuting program in place. You should try to get a feel for the organization's perception towards telecommuting and what your chances might be for successfully accepting your telecommuting proposal. Ask others in your workplace if they know of employees that telecommute and how that came to be. Find out if your organization's competitors have a telecommuting program. The more information you can gather, the better.

2. Prepare an oral and written presentation for your case for telecommuting. This will ensure that your boss knows you are serious about this proposal. The information in your presentation should be factual and objective. You should highlight the benefits of telecommuting for your employer and not the benefits to you. Try to find some examples or case studies on the internet of successful telecommuting programs. Include information on how you will setup a home office and how you will establish communication platforms. Outline your job description and performance measurement objectives and how these can be accomplished off-site.

3. Prepare to answer any questions or objections your employer might have. If you just cannot obtain complete commitment from your employer initially try suggesting a trial period.

Tips & Warnings

• If you are turned down make sure you understand the reasons why. Don't be afraid to ask to re-visit your proposal at a later stage or once you are able to find solutions to your employer's concerns.