How to Ask Your Boss to Telecommute

Telecommuting has gained in popularity in recent years due to several factors including rising gas prices. A survey revealed the number of nationwide teleworkers increased 12% from 2006 to 12 million in 2007, a staggering rate that continues to climb. The flexibility of working from home allows you to do your job with fewer distractions while remaining completely accessible by email, phone and instant message. But, how in the world can you ask your boss to work from home after working in the office for so long? You'll have to be prepared, but it's not an impossible mission.

Before you make this proposal to your boss, be sure that telework is right for you by answering a few questions:

• Can your job be done effectively outside of the office?
• How many days a week or month would you like telecommute?
• Where would you work?
• Will you need special equipment?
• Are you self-motivated?
• Do you work well on your own?

Preparation

Start by reading your employee handbook to ensure there are no company policies that will restrict you from working from home. You can also speak with your Human Resources Director to find any existing programs your company may have for telecommuting. As part of your research, find out if your competitors have any telecommuting programs in place. If they do, compile information on their program and use it in your proposal.

Regardless of whether or not your company already has a program in place, you'll have to prepare documentation to justify your request. Begin by using existing research gathered by local government programs. Many states and counties prepare materials in an effort to help local businesses establish work-from-home campaigns to protect the environment (like Georgia's Clean Air Campaign).

Also, be sure to collect statistics on the benefits of telecommuting. Don't be afraid to use the Internet. A study done by American psychologists revealed that telework results in higher morale and job satisfaction while lowering employee stress and turnover. Studies like these can be of great benefit when proving your case. Print out articles about the benefits of working from home and arrange them for your boss to look at. Highlight any pertinent sections for easy reference.

Some resources:

Cost-benefit analysis

Sample proposal

Statistics

The Proposal

You should always prepare both a written and oral proposal to present to your boss. Focus on how the company will benefit from you telecommuting. Explain how working from home will make you more productive and efficient. Never mention personal benefits like working from home will allow you to spend more time with your kids, get more housework done or that you can work in your pajamas. These are completely irrelevant to your boss.
Next, mention your accomplishments. Show your boss projects you've completed or other achievements and explain how this has prepared you to become a successful teleworker. Be sure to bring documentation, whether it's projects you've completed, presentations you've given, or even performance evaluations to back-up your claims.

Make your boss a deal he can't refuse by offering a trial period. He or she will likely be more apt to give it a try than to jump into a commitment right away. Start with one or two days a week (say Tuesday/Thursday) and build from there. Don't immediately suggest working from home on Mondays and Fridays as your boss may assume you only want long weekends. Try it for a month or so to really get into the swing of things. This will also give you time to prove to your boss that it's worth it to the company. Choose a time of the year that is generally slow for your office so that you won't be overwhelmed by work and transition.

One of the biggest issues that arise with telecommuters and their managers is accountability. As much as they may trust you, it wouldn't be good business to take your word for it. Before you march into your boss's office and present him with all your fantastic reasons for telecommuting, be sure to establish a measure of accountability. Suggest frequent meetings and reports to ensure you're staying on task. If you're providing results, your boss will know you're working. In some instances, your company's IT department will have software that they can install on your computer to where they can log into your PC from anywhere, enabling your employer to keep a close eye on you. Check with your IT team to find out if they currently use this type of software.

In your proposal, be sure to mention the numerous ways you will be available. Include email, phone and instant messaging services that can help you stay in touch. You'll also want to describe your workspace and its functionality. Your boss isn't going to want to hear that you need a printer and a laptop to make this work, so be sure you're all set before you make your request. Include a picture of your workspace to provide a clear understanding that you're ready. Don't be offended if he/she asks to inspect your home office as this will only help solidify your agreement.

It's also important to prepare for any questions or concerns your boss may have. If you have children or perhaps an elderly relative living with you, your superior may be concerned that they will steal your focus from work. You'll have to alleviate these concerns by assuring him/her that you have made arrangements for them.

With all the fabulous benefits of telework and the studies to back it up, it's important to know that a survey polled over 1300 executives and found that they felt telecommuters were less likely to advance in their careers. Executives simply want face time with their employees. This doesn't mean that your boss shares this opinion, but it wouldn't hurt to study the dynamic between those who telecommute and those who don't before you make your decision. You may also bring this up to your boss and ask if it will affect future promotions.

If working from home is something you've decided is a good fit for you, preparation is key. Do the research, compile materials, write a convincing proposal and prepare for oral arguments so that your boss will know your telecommuting endeavor will be a success for you and the company.