As prices at the pump soar,
working from home -- whether full- or part-time -- can offer
financial relief and might improve job performance and
satisfaction. Debra Dinnocenzo, president of Wexford, Pa.-based
VirtualWorks! (www.virtualworkswell.com) and author of 101 Tips
for Telecommuters, offers advice for negotiating such a
scenario with supervisors.
Make the case. Explain
how telecommuting would benefit the company. Advantages might
include reduced absenteeism, more schedule flexibility or reduced
office operating costs. Be specific, and translate these advantages
to dollar amounts when possible.
Sell yourself.
Describe the personality traits you possess that would make you an
effective telecommuter.
Be specific. Share
detailed plans for handling daily schedules and tasks, remaining in
touch with co-workers or clients, reporting results and setting up
a home office.
Test it out. Propose a
trial period, defining the time frame, goals and methods by which
to evaluate the process.