Tele21

Assuming your employer doesn't have a telework policy already in place, you'll need a plan of action. Despite its growing popularity with employees, many managers are still suspicious of the concept. The trick to getting the go-ahead to work at home is to present a compelling proposal that looks at the arrangement through the managers' eyes. What risks does telework present to the organization? What might the benefits be? And what makes you the perfect candidate?

Risk #1: Will you deliver?
The number one concern for most managers is: how do I know you'll work as hard at home as you would in the office? Won't you be distracted by the:(check as many as apply) soaps, fridge, laundry, neighbors, children? In your proposal, you'll need to demonstrate that you have the personality and work ethic of a successful teleworker. You must be able to answer 'yes' to the following:

• Are you well-organized?
• Are you disciplined and self-motivated?
• Do you consistently meet your goals?
• Are you proficient in information and communication technology (ITC)?
• Do you have great time-management and communication skills?
• Do you have a strong performance record?
• Do you have a supportive family?
• Do you have an area in your home that can be converted to office space?
• Have you made arrangements for childcare? Or are your children old enough to be self-sufficient?

In addition, you'll need to answer 'no' to these:

• Do you need a lot of social interaction?
• Are you easily distracted?
• Do you need a lot of supervision?

Risk #2: What will it cost?
Telework depends on technology. A computer, printer, separate phone and fax lines, pager, cell phone. If you don't already have what you need, your employer should provide it. If you already own it, say so. Just be sure it's up-to-date and reliable.

There are other costs too, such as long-distance phone calls that may have to be covered.

Risk #3: How will I reach you? How will important clients get in touch?
"Hello! You've reached the voice mailbox of... I'm teleworking today. Please leave a message and I'll call you back."

What? After you've prepared the spaghetti sauce? Your boss needs to know you can be contacted at all times, especially if your work involves any kind of customer service. Explain that you'll have your calls forwarded to your home office and that you'll pick up. Make arrangements to check in with the office as frequently as your boss requires. You can suggest regular project updates by phone, fax or email; or a brief telephone check-in at the start and end of every work day. Whatever you agree on, make sure your boss knows you'll be as available at home as you were at the office.

Next Page Now for the benefits.