Employee Checklist
Plan Ahead
Take time in advance to consider what tasks you'd like to work on during your telecommuting day. Some aspects of your work may be better suited for the home office than others, so be sure you have access to the right work at home. Don't forget to have necessary contact info.
Establish a Schedule
Keep normal work hours; your manager and your co-workers will appreciate your regular availability with a routine that coincides with theirs.
Get Started at the Same Time Each Day
Treat telecommute days like regular workdays; get up, get dressed and be 'on-the-clock' at a specific time.
Take Breaks
Working without interruption can be tiring; plan time to get up and move around; exercise during lunch break to keep your mind fresh and your back from aching.
Be Flexible
Be prepared to come back to the office for emergency meetings, or if you feel your performance slipping. Be prepared to be even more self-sufficient than you were at the office so as not to overburden at-office colleagues or IT support.
Set Up Your Work Area
Create a safe, healthy and efficient workspace that gives easy access to supplies, phone, computer and resource material. Avoid frustration by obtaining the right computer, Internet connection, phone lines, etc. If you aren't sure about something, contact your manager or other appropriate resources within your organization.
Limit Distractions
Be careful not to replace office-based interruptions with children, neighbors, friends, etc.
Be Professional
Interruptions from loved ones (and even pets) can impact the perception of co-workers or customers on the other end of a phone line; a goal of teleworking is that it be invisible to others as much as possible.
Communicate Appropriately
Initiate and maintain communications with managers, co-workers and team members; establish procedures with key people so work doesn't fall through the cracks; handle problems right away - don't let questions/concerns fester.
Focus on Objectives
Help your manager identify ways to measure productivity; provide updates; initiate discussions if there are questions; keep your eye on established goals and objectives; set personal goals to maintain or increase productivity.
Keep Comments Positive
Remember that your remarks about telecommuting, even casual ones, may have an impact on the perception and success of a telecommuting program in your company.
Stay in Touch
Be as accessible (but by phone or computer) to at-office staff and clients as you were at the office. Communicate frequently with managers, and teammates to "stay in the loop" and avoid losing contact.
Take time in advance to consider what tasks you'd like to work on during your telecommuting day. Some aspects of your work may be better suited for the home office than others, so be sure you have access to the right work at home. Don't forget to have necessary contact info.
Establish a Schedule
Keep normal work hours; your manager and your co-workers will appreciate your regular availability with a routine that coincides with theirs.
Get Started at the Same Time Each Day
Treat telecommute days like regular workdays; get up, get dressed and be 'on-the-clock' at a specific time.
Take Breaks
Working without interruption can be tiring; plan time to get up and move around; exercise during lunch break to keep your mind fresh and your back from aching.
Be Flexible
Be prepared to come back to the office for emergency meetings, or if you feel your performance slipping. Be prepared to be even more self-sufficient than you were at the office so as not to overburden at-office colleagues or IT support.
Set Up Your Work Area
Create a safe, healthy and efficient workspace that gives easy access to supplies, phone, computer and resource material. Avoid frustration by obtaining the right computer, Internet connection, phone lines, etc. If you aren't sure about something, contact your manager or other appropriate resources within your organization.
Limit Distractions
Be careful not to replace office-based interruptions with children, neighbors, friends, etc.
Be Professional
Interruptions from loved ones (and even pets) can impact the perception of co-workers or customers on the other end of a phone line; a goal of teleworking is that it be invisible to others as much as possible.
Communicate Appropriately
Initiate and maintain communications with managers, co-workers and team members; establish procedures with key people so work doesn't fall through the cracks; handle problems right away - don't let questions/concerns fester.
Focus on Objectives
Help your manager identify ways to measure productivity; provide updates; initiate discussions if there are questions; keep your eye on established goals and objectives; set personal goals to maintain or increase productivity.
Keep Comments Positive
Remember that your remarks about telecommuting, even casual ones, may have an impact on the perception and success of a telecommuting program in your company.
Stay in Touch
Be as accessible (but by phone or computer) to at-office staff and clients as you were at the office. Communicate frequently with managers, and teammates to "stay in the loop" and avoid losing contact.