My advice does not apply to users of GSA s telecommuting centers, which supply and charge for work tools. I ve considered only the issues of setting up and maintaining a static telecommuting space at home. First, the manager and the employee must decide whether the employee can or should telecommute. It s not for everyone. Isolation is a constant companion, and workaholics might not be able to stop at the end of the day.
Telecommuting can put a strain on family members.
Children at home might need day care just as they do when a parent s away at work. Also, the telecommuter must be organized and have good work habits because the workload doesn t lessen at home. For some workers, telecommuting is a natural fit. In my case, I can just as easily review standalone products in my home office as at work. Unless the job requires a worker s physical presence such as opening up an office each morning, attending meetings or supervising a staff it probably is amenable to telecommuting a day or more a week.