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Here are some of the most frequently asked questions employees have about telework. Employees who
are interested in learning more about telework should explore the links to the right.
Is telework an employee benefit?
Can I have my children at home on telework days?
Will my coworkers resent me if I telework?
Will telework hurt my chances of promotion?
What if my employer doesn't offer telework?
What if my employer turns down my request to telework?
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Is telework an employee benefit?
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No. Telework is a management option. Employees who want to telework (not all do) are
given the opportunity to do so if they have work that can be completed off-site, have work habits and
behaviors that lend themselves to telework, and have a suitable situation at home for telework.
However, even if an employee meets these requirements, an organization may refuse to grant a request
for telework if there are schedule conflicts or staffing needs that require certain employees, or
a certain number of employees, to be present in the workplace.
You should be aware that most managers do not want new employees to telework. Managers are more
likely to grant a request to telework after you have some experience working in the organization
or work unit. Also, most managers will grant telework on a limited basis until they are sure you
can be productive when teleworking and don't have too many problems, like computer-tech problems or
distractions. If you want to telework more days than your manager will initially allow, negotiate
a time for review when you can request an increase in telework days.
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Can I have my children at home on telework days?
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A
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This varies by employer and is often decided on a case-by-case basis. Some employers do not consider
childcare and telework to be compatible and will require that you make childcare arrangements for
your telework days. Other employers will allow you to care for children while teleworking as long
as you can demonstrate that it doesn't interfere with the completion of your work. Some teleworkers
take time off work in the afternoon when children get home from school and make up the time later in
the evening. Telework often allows this kind of schedule flexibility, but you will need to confirm
this with your manager. Check to see if this issue is addressed in your organization's telework
policy.
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Will my coworkers resent me if I telework?
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This is something many teleworkers worry about. Some coworkers, in fact, may consider your
telework day a "day off". There are several things you can to to combat this perception. When you
first start telework, be sure to call into the office fairly often to ask coworkers questions, such
as their opinion on a work topic. This lets your coworkers know that you are at work, even if they
can't see you working. Encourage them to call you, email you or IM you when they need your help.
You might prefer they don't so you can concentrate, but maintaining a link with the office is important.
There are exceptions. If you need to be left alone, such as when working on a special project, let
coworkers know when you are not available unless it is an emergency. Make sure your manager knows
that you are available for the pick-up work that gets handed out at the office - and make sure you
are doing your fair share. If you telework a lot, make sure to attend a meeting once and awhile
just to connect with everyone. You may want to stay long enough to go out to lunch with the gang
to keep the social connections alive.
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Will telework hurt my chances of promotion?
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Some teleworkers worry that being away from the office means they will be overlooked
for promotions. There is no evidence that this occurs. In fact, being skilled at telework should
make you more valuable to the organization. Nevertheless, if this is a concern, it underscores the
need to stay in close communication with your manager and coworkers. Try to stay involved in
organization activities and events.
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What if my employer doesn't offer telework?
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A
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You will be the pioneer - the one that promotes and initiates telework at your
organization. You will need to make the case for telework and the case for yourself. The toolkit
can help with both. Direct your manager, the HR director, or your boss to the Organizations Page in the toolkit.
You can also download a brief guide titled
Is Telework Right for Your Organization that you can print for your boss.
Before you approach your manager, prepare yourself for the types of questions you may be asked:
- Why do you want to telework?
- How often do you want to telework?
- What kind of work will you be doing from home?
- How will you take your work home and bring it back?
- How will I know that you are really working at home?
- How will you report your progress?
- How will we communicate?
- What if your coworkers need your help?
- Are you going to be using your own computer?
- Do you have a suitable place to work at home?
Even if your manager gets approval for you to telework, he or she may be hesitant. Be prepared to
try out telework for a trial period. Be sure to work with your manager to overcome any communication
problems or trust issues and document your progress.
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What if my employer turns down my request to telework?
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If a reason isn't provided, ask for one. If you were turned down because of
something you can change, work to change it, then reapply when you can demonstrate you've made the
necessary change. The reason for being refused may have nothing to do with you - perhaps your
organization just isn't ready for telework. In this case, stay informed on telework trends, become
the expert in your organization, and gently try to move the opinion of telework in a more positive
direction. If you were turned down because of schedule conflicts, tell your manager that you want
to be reconsidered when the situation changes. Your telework policy may list the reasons why a request
can be denied.
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