10 Myths about Working from Home

Every morning after I drop my daughter off at school I hop in the car and head to work. Every morning I sit in traffic for over an hour driving to my office wondering, “Why am I wasting time in the car, I could’ve started work an hour ago if I was working from home.”

I work in the internet industry and spend the majority of my time on the computer sending out emails, IM’S, producing and testing updates of our online brands.

In fact, I can go an entire day without talking to someone face to face. So you would think that working remotely would be easy and common practice. But it’s not. I’ve been working in the internet industry for over 10 years and every job I had required you to be physically in the office.  My prior boss didn’t feel people were working unless they were physically in their seats.

Before submitting a request to work virtually it’s a good idea to be prepared, do some research and understand why your company might push back on the request.

WorkOptions.com is a great resource for moms or anyone looking for a more flexible work schedule. eWeek recently released a list of 10 Myths of Telework that can help you prepare your case.

Myth 1: Virtual Work will Reduce Control and Productivity
Research by Brigham Young University showed that virtual workers were able to work 19 hours longer than office-based employees before they felt it interfered with their personal and family life.

Myth 2: Virtual Work Will Increase Costs
Half-time virtual work can save U.S. businesses over $10,000 per employee, according to the Telework Research Network.

Myth 3: Virtual Work Will Negatively Impact Morale/Company Spirit
According to BLR-a compensation and compliance services vendor-64 percent of those with telework programs say it has improved morale.

Myth 4: Virtual Work is Harder to Manage and Oversee
Results-based management, a key to virtual work success, frees both managers and employees from micromanagement.

Myth 5: Virtual Work Will Impede Communications

Technology like instant chat, e-mail and even the telephone play a larger and larger role in keeping colleagues connected. In many work environments, instant chat is becoming the preferred method of communication, whether in the office or not.

To read all the myths check out 10 Myths of Telework: Why You Aren’t Working from Home.