Let’s start with reality
Even if our job allows us to work from home, most managers prefer to see employees in person. So many of us hesitate to even ask to work from home, worried that we will be seen as less committed or concerned that we will miss opportunities by staying home.
So, it’s off to work we go, spewing millions of tons of pollution into the air, wasting time and money.
Overcoming obstacles
We are advocating four simple steps:
Try it. Encourage this limited experiment. Take this one day and give it a shot.
Do it right. Help managers build confidence on this day. For example, require that employees set goals for the day and describe their activities and progress throughout the day.
Engage managers. Have them plan how they will make this day a success. When it is over, ask them to reflect on what they learned and how they would improve upon it.
Raise the bar. When this day is over (and Earth Day is upon us), advocate regular flexwork, setting expectations that are ambitious yet reasonable. For example, set a goal for qualified employees to work at home at least one day per week. Or establish Wednesdays as work at home day.
Click to explore these tools and resources for working from home
