Telecommuting, or in other words, working from home, is a dream many of us have had at least once in our work lives. If you think you'd do a better job outside your regular workplace, you'll first need to make sure your boss is open to the idea. If he is, then you've got to make a compelling case to give telecommuting a shot. Here are a few tips to get you started on building that case:
Talk two ways. Give your boss a comprehensive written proposal, and support it with an oral presentation. Your written proposal should contain, in great detail, all your points for telecommuting, while the oral presentation should highlight the most important pieces of information in easily-digestible chunks. The written form will allow your boss to scrutinize your proposal and carefully consider your ideas. The oral presentation, on the other hand, will let your boss absorb the points raised in the proposal better.
Point out the benefits. While telecommuting may make life easier for you, it's better that your proposal focuses on the company's benefits. Show your employer how telecommuting will make you a more efficient worker and increase your productivity. If you can, present a cost-benefits analysis describing how much better things would be if you worked from home. You can also search the web for case studies that support the idea that telecommuting improves work.
Build trust. Most employers hesitate at the prospect of telecommuting, because they fear that you'll slack off at home, or that problems may arise from your absence at the office. You can circumvent this anxiety by clearly delineating your responsibilities and assuring that you'll meet them. This shows your boss that you know what you have to do and are committed to the job. Mention personal qualities that will depict you as an effective telecommuter; present yourself as a trustworthy, diligent worker who will do his job without abusing the fact that he's home.
Let your boss know that you're accessible from your home by providing phone numbers, a fax number, email addresses, and anything else that will allow your employer to reach you. Provide accountability measures such as periodic status reports, even routine visits, to show that you're not fooling around.
Show your boss that your home is well-equipped for the rigors of your job by presenting a clear picture of your workspace. Let him know that you'll be completely functional outside the workplace.
Offer a trial period. If your boss is still iffy about the idea, propose a trial period. Set a period of time that your boss is comfortable with to take a crack at telecommuting. During the experiment, do your best to impress your boss by being extra-efficient.
Defend yourself. Throughout your proposal, your boss is likely to object to a number of things. Prepare yourself for such scenarios by anticipating arguments, researching counter-arguments, and by rehearsing your presentation with a friend or co-worker. Defend your points with openness and confidence, and hopefully, you'll be able to convince your employer towards telecommuting.
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