Telecommuting and making the transition to working at home full-time, is probably the most asked about question on the Working Moms forum.
I was lucky to find a company that has lots of flexibility as well as the option to work from home - but I know, in many cases and many fields - this is not the norm. Sometimes, it's up to YOU to present a plan to your employer, showing how telecommuting or working from home can not just benefit you - but the company as well.
Since you already know how it will benefit YOU to work from home - the most important aspect is presenting the benefits to your employer.
- Less employee turnover
Allowing employees the option of telecommuting KEEPS the employee from looking to other companies that offer this option. This is turn actually saves the company the costs of rehiring and training a new hire.
- Less sick time
Working from home part time or telecommuting, saves the company from paying out so much sick time, which is used my many parents, primarily for taking time out when the KIDS are sick - and not themselves. Arrangements for sick as well as daycare schedule foul ups at the last minute are also reasons why employees use their leave - which in turn affects the employer.
- Tax Credits
Remind your employer that federal grants are now giving tax credits to companies that incorporate work from home and/or telecommute options.
I know working from home full-time is eventually something that I will be doing - but transitioning to that status has been much easier for me with my company's flexible work options.
Here are other StorkNet Moms on their thoughts regarding telecommuting, and working from home.
I am actually in the process of researching what I need to open my own business…I decided I wanted to do and my target market - and now I just need to get the legalities straightened out.
All of this has come out of workplace changes and a new Assistant. Vice President who is NOT family friendly at all. I used to love my job so much - until the change in Senior Management … and we are now at a stalemate. ~Tammi
I also want to work from home … I am going to start taking medical transcription classes at our local community college. Hopefully it will work out, and bring in enough capital. ~Christina
Whether you plan on telecommuting or working from home - you will need a permanent workspace, and this is key to getting your work done, and creating the environment which will be where you will conduct your business.
This will be especially true if you are planning on working from home part time, if there is a new baby in the home. There will be an unspoken question in the minds of many whether your attention will be on your work - and not your baby - so be sure to mention that you have already put in place dependent care.
- Setting Up Your Work Environment
~ Pick a part of the house where you will have the most privacy. Preferably a separate room with a door.
~ Childproof your workspace. Make sure your work files are out of the reach of little hands, with the ideal place being a high shelf or locked file cabinet.
~ If you can - hire a Nanny or babysitter, even though you're "just in the next room". Not breaking your flow of concentration, conference calls …all will require your undivided attention.
~ Keep in mind that telecommuting/working from home and even your own home based business - is still a business - and when a client calls, they should not have to compete with your child for attention. This is why setting up a permanent yet workable childminding solution - if only on your busy days - is something worth looking into.
Whether you decide to work from home; telecommute a couple of days a week; or start your own business, just keep in mind that the key is in the planning. Set small realistic goals, stick to a schedule, keep notes … and above all else, stay flexible.
There may be times when you may HAVE to go into the office for a crucial meeting. You may have to expend some extra hours at home to crank out a report that you thought you had a little more time on …so even though you're home -keep your schedule flexible as well, because things have a way of changing when you least expect it.
Hopefully, with the right planning and a cooperative employer, you will be able to set things in motion for telecommuting a couple of days a week or working from home on a full-time basis.
