Work from home – Photo credit: madamenoire.com
Did I mention the weather is horrendous in the Northeast? While many of us are dreaming to work from home, few know how to ask for it, and when it’s ok to actually request it. With the rise of technology and telecommuting options, it’s certainly gotten easier to work from home at least on some days. However, in many, if not most, corporate environments, it’s still not acceptable.
Remember when Marissa Mayer ended Yahoo’s work-from-home employee perks back in 2013? Back then, her argument was that while working from home may have enhanced productivity, it was hindering collaboration between and innovation in employees. So much for that Yahoo perk…As reported by Women on Business, 56% of telecommuters feel equally productive at home or at the office, while only 32% feel more productive telecommuting.
However, there are just those days, when the cable guy is dropping by (unannounced of course), the baby has a fever, or school is closed, when you really could use a work-from-home day. Especially since you have to lug your laptop around anyways, and you’re hunkered down in your cube most of the time, right?
My $0.05: Check your department’s policies first! Many companies and departments have implemented work-from-home policies that are more or less specific. In any case, always check in with your manager, and ensure you don’t need to be physically present in the office. If you need to work from home due to inclement weather or last-minute circumstances, drop an email to your boss/team to check in and if necessary, provide an update at the end of the day.
Also be available on the phone for any work-related emergencies (and please refrain from letting it slip that you’re doing your laundry or seasoning meat for dinner).
Any tips on requesting to work from home?
The Corporate Sis.
