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Location

Your home needs to be suitable for telework. Identify appropriate workspace that is free from distractions and adequately meets technology (high-speed internet) needs.

Schedule

Work with your supervisor to define your telework schedule. This should be included in the organization’s policy and agreement you sign.

Get organized and plan ahead

• Establish a routine just like you would for the office.
• Identify specific tasks you will work on while teleworking and establish to-do checklist.
• Save projects for teleworking if you only telework one-two days a week/month. Telework is a great opportunity to work on larger projects for long periods and to catch up on emails and smaller projects.
• Take more work home than you think you will finish.
• Continue to meet your deadlines as if you were in the office.

Communicate

• Establish the hours you will be working and inform everyone who needs to know.
• Communicate progress and delays with managers, coworkers, etc.
• Answer your phone. You need to be available when teleworking.
• Use various communication methods. Instant messaging, conference and/or video calls, etc.

Handle distractions

Develop ground rules with yourself, family, and neighbors to determine appropriate interruptions. Teleworking is not a substitute for childcare or elder care.  While teleworking does allow for flexibility, consider these distractions and how you will handle them:

• Pets
• Chores
• Neighbors
• Family
• Television
• Errands

Office time

Make the best use of your time in the office by building relationships and spending time face-to-face with coworkers and your manager. Attempt to attend all group meetings in person.