Whether you will be working strictly from home or frequently traveling, proper planning and preparation will ensure that your transition from the office to mobile worker will be less stressful and easier on you, your co-workers and supervisors. An excellent working relationship with your co-workers is also important. It can’t be made better once away from the office. Six months should be more than adequate to prepare yourself and your company for a mobile work style.
6 Months
Learn all you can about your job. Once out of the office, you will not have instant access to help or supervision when a problem arises. Take advantage of company-sponsored classes in computers or other work-related courses. If none available - visit a library or check out online courses. Show you employer you can work without supervision. Strive to overcome any bad habits you may have formed - spending too much time away from your desk, visiting with co-workers, or making personal phone calls.
5 Months
Present your case for mobility to your employer. Put it in writing. Divide it into two sections: (1) how it can benefit your employer, and (2) why you are a good candidate for mobile work. Be prepared for a negative response and have resources to back up your request. Find out what equipment will be provided--and what you will have to purchase. If you must purchase equipment, you may need to work out a budget. Ask your employer to help with financial arrangements.
4 Months
Ask that the mobile work agreement be in writing. You could get a new supervisor who might wish to rein you back into the office. Learn about your employer's insurance coverage. Most companies' insurance policies extend to mobile workers. But this should be made clear at the start. Your home owner's insurance policy may provide some additional relief in the event of, say, a fire that destroys equipment and files. If you are a renter, look into a renter's insurance policy.
3 Months - Home Based Worker
Decide on the physical setup of your home office. If you have an extra room that can be used as an office, this is ideal. If not, plan for an area that will give you adequate space for equipment, cable, and phone line access, file cabinets, and privacy. Find out what equipment you will be setting up in your home. Learn how to operate it correctly and make minor repairs (in case there is no tech support plan in place). Be sure to have a thorough knowledge of the software you will be using.
3 Months - On the Road
Identify what mobile gear you will need on a daily basis and what stationary supplies you will need to keep available – in your car or while traveling by other means. Will your company reimburse for Wi-Fi subscriptions or is that your own responsibility? What reference materials will you require quick access to? Do you need hard copies or is this information available on the company intranet?
2 Months - Home Based Worker
Sit down with your supervisor and go over your duties and schedule. Mobile workers are often rated according to productivity, so you need to know what is expected of you. You may be required to come into the office at intervals for meetings or training. Establish the hours you are required to be at your home office. (You must be available if customers or colleagues need to contact you during normal business hours.)
2 Months - On the Road
Obtain schedules from your Supervisor so that you can plan your travels to be available for meetings either in person, teleconferencing or web conference. Learn where free and for free public Wi-Fi locations are, so you can always get connected.
1 Month
Transfer data to your laptop and/or PDA. List all e-mail addresses and phone numbers you will need. Troubleshoot to make sure that the equipment and software work. Get into the habit of regularly backing up your files. There is no excuse for losing data. Let family & friends know that personal calls during working hours are not acceptable. The last thing you need is to have personal calls while meeting with customers or during an important meeting. Make childcare arrangements now.