Bunny slippers, but no water cooler; working from home has benefits
Larry Burge
Issue date: 4/29/09 Section: News
Contact the human resources department and have a copy of the organization's flexible job policy sent or e-mailed.
Prepare a proposal for the job requested and send it in with a written agreement that addresses issues concerned with job duties, work produced or timely compensation for work completed.
Suggest a trial period to propose a date to evaluate the job from both the employer and employee position.
If part of a team or supervising others, participate in online chat room discussions on issues and initiatives.
There also are personal areas for which the telecommuter must make arrangements. The virtual employee needs designated office space with lockable file storage, computer supplies and doors to close out distractions.
For to conduct a serious business from home - a plop down space on a couch with laptop on a coffee table - probably wouldn't fly with the IRS.
The telecommuter should also set office hours for appointments only, rules about no interruptions from friends or family members and nothing taken from or moved in the office without explicit permission. Put "Do Not Disturb" signs on doors and don't answer if somebody knocks on one.
Virtual commuters need technology to carry on a successful business venture. They should get a designated business phone line or cell phone, a high-speed Internet connection, new computer or upgrade and fax machine. The dedicated phone will allow for separating friends and family from business calls.
Don't forget to take breaks and set a time to close the business doors for the day and weekends as well. To avoid burnout, online communities suggest setting work hours and sticking to them. Other suggestions are to make lunch appointments away from the home-office setting and take coffee breaks to avoid non-stop working.
Prepare a proposal for the job requested and send it in with a written agreement that addresses issues concerned with job duties, work produced or timely compensation for work completed.
Suggest a trial period to propose a date to evaluate the job from both the employer and employee position.
If part of a team or supervising others, participate in online chat room discussions on issues and initiatives.
There also are personal areas for which the telecommuter must make arrangements. The virtual employee needs designated office space with lockable file storage, computer supplies and doors to close out distractions.
For to conduct a serious business from home - a plop down space on a couch with laptop on a coffee table - probably wouldn't fly with the IRS.
The telecommuter should also set office hours for appointments only, rules about no interruptions from friends or family members and nothing taken from or moved in the office without explicit permission. Put "Do Not Disturb" signs on doors and don't answer if somebody knocks on one.
Virtual commuters need technology to carry on a successful business venture. They should get a designated business phone line or cell phone, a high-speed Internet connection, new computer or upgrade and fax machine. The dedicated phone will allow for separating friends and family from business calls.
Don't forget to take breaks and set a time to close the business doors for the day and weekends as well. To avoid burnout, online communities suggest setting work hours and sticking to them. Other suggestions are to make lunch appointments away from the home-office setting and take coffee breaks to avoid non-stop working.
Be the first to comment on this story