How to Ask for an Employer's Permission to Work From Home on a Remote Desktop

Remote locations.

It is a dream job when you can walk to your desk in your house slippers and pajamas rather than facing a long commute into the office. Asking your employer's permission to work from home on a remote desktop will require you to look at the issues from his perspective. To get your employer to agree to let you work from home, you will have to show him how he will benefit.

Instructions

1. Take the self-assessment questionnaire located in Resources. This will provide you with some insight as to whether you can be successful working from a remote location. It will also provide you with some insight as to what issues your employer may have and ideas on how to overcome the issues. While many positions can be done successfully from home, there maybe certain duties that will need to be done in the office, such as attending meetings. Decide when you will come into the office and which days are more ideal for working from a remote location.

2. Prepare a written proposal for your employer. Be sure to address any issues you found in your personal assessment. Focus on your employer's needs and wants rather than your own. Use the general proposal in Resources for a starting point in your proposal.

3. Present your proposal to your employer. Be willing to be flexible. There may be some issues you have not considered. You can propose a trial period for your employer when you ask for permission to work from home on a remote desktop.

   You can start by proposing one or two days per week in which to work from home. This will allow him to see the benefits without too much risk.

Tips & Warnings

• If you know your employer well, personalize your proposal as much as possible. If he is interested in "green" lifestyle, be sure your proposal addresses the green issues such as saving fuel.

• Listen to your employer's suggestions and feedback. She may not agree with your present proposal but may give you ideas for a future or different proposal.

• Be prepared if your employer says, "No." Many employers do not like the idea of not having the employee available in the office, no matter what benefits the employer may receive from it.

References

• QuintCareers: How to Telecommute
• Working from Anywhere
• Microsoft Office: The next best thing to being there

Resources

• World at Work: Remote Worker Questionnaire
• World at Work: Work At Home Draft Proposal