How to Be a Successful Telecommuter
Working from home may be the nation’s fastest-growing employment trend. Already more than 25 million Americans work from home at least part time, and the numbers continue to swell each year. Some believe that the growth will only accelerate with the current baby boom and the growth of more flexible employment practices.
But “telecommuters” often confront problems they’d never have in the office. They can be passed over for promotions while they face accelerating job demands, isolation and stress. Others find it difficult, if not impossible, to accomplish much work from home.
Industry experts say that many of these problems can be avoided. The key is careful planning and communication, says Rita Smith, supervisor of commuter programs at GTE of California.
Many of the problems stem from misconceptions about what working from home is all about. Family and friends often believe that telecommuters can chat simply because they’re home. And some employers assume that telecommuters spend most of their day working on personal pursuits. Workers themselves are often unrealistic about what they can accomplish, believing that they can take on the neighborhood car pool and other personal responsibilities and still get the job done.
These misconceptions, coupled with disorganization and a lack of proper planning, can torpedo home-based workers. Those who plan to experiment with telecommuting are wise to take some steps ahead of time to make their effort both productive and pleasant.
* If you are about to start working from home, you need to have a detailed talk with your supervisor in advance. Some of the questions you need to ask:
How will working from home affect your benefits, compensation and promotion chances? What do supervisors expect of home-based workers? Those who don’t have a detailed job description should get one. Telecommuters need to be judged by productivity, not presence. It’s therefore more important than ever before to know just what your boss wants you to work on and how quickly he or she expects it to be done.
How frequently are telecommuters expected to check in? Communication is a key element to success in working from home. Bosses can and should expect occasional status reports on the telecommuter’s progress. Some supervisors might want employees to check in daily; others may prefer more or less communication.
Are there limits on when you can work from home? For instance, does your employer want you in the office at least one or two days a week?
Will your employer want to periodically check on you at your home office? If so, will you be informed of the visit in advance or should you expect surprise visits?
* Set up an environment conducive to productivity. Generally speaking, that means you should dedicate a specific part of your home to work. Don’t try to work on the dining room table unless you live alone and aren’t concerned about family members moving your files and work materials.
* Educate your friends, family and co-workers so they don’t assume you’re free to socialize. Let friends know when its appropriate to disturb you and when it’s not.
* Think about what you need to complete your job at home and make sure you have it. Many people who only occasionally work at home find that they’ve failed to get a critical piece of information or a supply necessary to complete some task.
Adequate office equipment is also essential. That may include computers, filing cabinets, fax machines, dual phone lines, pens, pencils, paper, envelopes, stationery, a Rolodex and any other equipment or reference material that you use on a regular basis in the office.
* Create a schedule. Many people have a pattern when they come into the office--getting a cup of coffee and reading the paper before settling down to the day’s activities, for instance. These patterns can send a psychological signal to the worker that the day has begun. If you have a routine in the office that helps you prepare for the day, formulate a similar pattern for days when you work at home.
