Green Job Tips: Going Green By Telecommuting

Eco-Friendly Job Strategies: How to Make the Transition to Telecommuting

Posted on May 27, 2013 in Green Jobs by Chris Keenan 0 Comments

Telecommuting enables an employee to complete their work from home or at a location other than the main business office. One simple way to make your job more eco-friendly is by telecommuting; since telecommuters do not have to drive long distances to work, they are able to cut down on the amount of pollution caused by their vehicle. Although it has been around for more than 40 years, telecommuting has gained popularity in the last decade as technological advances, like smartphones and video conferencing, made the process easier. If you think your job could be completed from a home office, the following tips will get you started with the transition and go green by telecommuting.

Broaching The Topic Of Telecommuting

Prior to speaking to your boss about telecommuting, first consider two main issues. First, is it possible to complete your job from home? Also, what are the benefits of this type of arrangement for your employer? For example, maybe you will be less stressed and more productive if you don’t have to deal with an hour long commute each day. Think about what you want to say, and how you want to say it, before starting the conversation. If your boss is hesitant, try a small compromise; offer to come into the office three days a week but telecommute the other two. If the arrangement doesn’t pan out, transition back to being a full-time office employee.

Setting Up A Home Office

In order to become a productive and successful telecommuter, it is essential to set up a dedicated home office space. Ideally, this should be a space far removed from the center of the home and all the family activities. Take the time to set up a nice area, with a comfortable chair and aesthetically pleasing decorations, so that you feel good about returning to your office each day. Take care of any issues that crop up; for example, hire a Rochester pest control specialist if you see bugs, or install a fan if it gets too hot in the afternoon. In addition, make sure you establish some type of organization system so that you can be as focused and efficient as possible.

Establishing Good Work Habits

It can be difficult to work from home, particularly because there are so many distractions. Therefore, you may have to train yourself to remain focused and figure out what type of schedule works best for you in your new environment. Many people find that dressing up, as if they were going into work, helps them feel more “professional,” which translates into an improved work ethic. In addition, make sure you have the technology you need to be successful, including a high speed Internet connection and video conferencing software.

Telecommuting offers a number of benefits, not the least of which is the fact that it can help you reduce your carbon footprint. If you are interested in working from home, use the information included above to help you get started.