How can I convince my employer to let me work remotely?

Strenthen your case for becoming a telecommuter by becoming more informed about your employer's policies and goals, as well as your value to the company as an employee.

Find out what the current policy is

• Check the employee manual. If there's an existing telecommuting policy, then your chances of success are good. You can use the information provided to make your case in your remote work proposal.
• If there's no written information but some of your co-workers currently have flexible work arrangements, ask them for advice on proceeding; they'll have the inside scoop.
• But don't worry if no one ever has established a flexible work schedule or remote work agreement at the company; you can be the first!

Use your experience to your advantage

• Because your supervisor's support and approval will be key to getting your request granted, you've got a leg up if you are an established employee whom your supervisor trusts and values. Make sure you maintain that respect and continue to make yourself invaluable to the company.
• When creating your remote work proposal, reference past employee evaluations that had positive comments related to critical telecommuting traits, such as: initiative, ability to work without supervision, communication skills, etc.
• If you are a new hire, prove your ability to telecommute productively using examples from past experience at other companies. If you don't have past remote work experience, highlight the expertise you do bring to the company; they hired you for a reason, so they will probably want to keep you. Perhaps delay the request, however, until you've developed a strong rapport with your supervisor and proven yourself invaluable to the company.

Be sensitive to your employer's needs and goals

• Look at the company's mission statements, website description, and other materials to see how they present themselves. If they say they care about their employees' well-being or are innovative/progressive companies of today, you can use these branding statements in your proposal.
• Also consider whether the company is looking to cut costs or have had issues in the past retaining valuable staff members. Make sure you underscore the advantages of telecommuting for the employer in your remote work proposal.