The Pros and Cons of Telecommuting

2:30PM, a photo by mccun934 on Flickr.

I’ve telecommuted for over fifteen years. Along the way I’ve learned how to quickly navigate through the logistical challenges of working four states away from my bosses. But the greater challenge of  remaining productive and staying visible in a matrixed organization took more time. 

Whether you’re the only telecommuter on your team or you are one of many, the sooner you learn how to ramp up for success the better.

Not hired yet? Set expectations about telecommuting expenses and hours when you negotiate your offer.  While you are in the interview stage, determine if your phone bill and internet will be set up by the company, or if the onus is on you. Are you responsible for the bill or can you expense it out on a monthly basis? Will they supply you with a laptop or Blackberry? Also, can you set your own hours or is the schedule more rigid?

The trouble with blackouts, crying toddlers and barking dogs.  Yes, all these interruptions can and will happen when you work remotely. Your intention should be to appear professional. You need to avoid bringing your household into the workplace at all costs. Make contingency plans for your German Shepherd and consider a landline to avoid cell phone drop offs. Try to avoid conference calls at three thirty when your kids walk through the door after school lets out. And get your electric company on speed dial if you’re prone to power outages.

Remote work is not a place to hide.  You may seek out a telecommuting arrangement because you live in a remote location, like me. Or you might be differently-abled, and working from home could be a Godsend. But telecommuting should never be a vehicle to avoid accountability for your work. If you’re the type that shies away from politics, remote work is not the answer. And if your intention is to do your laundry and care for an infirmed parent while you squeeze in your work on the side, please stop reading this post and reconsider if you should be employed at all.

Instead, find ways to stay visible.  When you work from home, you have an opportunity to be more productive than your office-bound coworkers. Without the long commute or constant water-cooler banter, you can spend your extra time returning emails or planning your day without interruption. You absolutely should attend  important meetings, get that mentor you always wanted, and speak regularly with your manager and coworkers each day. The key is to make sure you are a collaborator vs. a lone ranger.

Volunteer to lead a project or initiative (albeit virtually). Be the squeaky wheel during team meetings. Make yourself memorable, or you will  seem like a hologram instead of a viable and promotable member of the team.