What to Do When You’re Called Back to the Office?
When you telecommute, there’s always a chance that your employer will call you back to the office. Employers acknowledge the advantages of telecommuting. But sometimes, the arrangement doesn’t work. In your mind, you’re doing a great job. You feel more productive, and all your assignments are completed ahead of schedule. So, there shouldn’t be a problem?
Unfortunately, your employer’s vision of productivity can differ from your own. And if you don’t live up to their standards, you might be called back to the office.
- Don’t Panic: Your boss phoning you at home and requesting your presence in the office isn’t usually a good sign. However, this isn’t necessarily a bad thing. Maybe the company’s working on a special project and they need you on-site. Talk with your boss, and find out whether they’re axing the telecommute agreement.
- Re-Negotiate the Arrangement: If your current telecommute work schedule isn’t working, propose a different plan. Rather than telecommute five days or 40 hour a week, ask to work at home part-time, and in the office part-time.
- Admit Your Mistake and Beg for Forgiveness: Working from home takes discipline. And unfortunately, some people can’t balance work and family. You may be able to fool your boss in the beginning. But they’ll eventually catch on. If you want any chance of salvaging the arrangement, don’t argue or make excuses. Employers have every right to call a telecommuter back to the office. Come up with a quick solution and ask for another chance.
Technorati Tags: work at home, telecommuter, telecommuting
June 9, 2008 | Filed Under Telecommuting, Work at Home | by Valencia
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When I worked in the corporate environment, I was able to work from home a few days weekly. I really enjoyed that. Thankfully I never had to go in full-time.
It can take a lot of disciplne working from home.