How to Propose Telecommunicating to Your Owner/Physician

If you’ve investigated the option of telecommuting your practice manager position and think it might work, you’re probably at least somewhat apprehensive about the next step – proposing the idea to the owners/physicians at your workplace.  The first and most important rule is to be thoroughly prepared.  This article, the second in our series on telecommuting as a practice manager, offers some tips to help you make a presentation to your owner/physician that has the best chance of being accepted. 

• Be sure you’ve conducted as much research as possible and can spell out for the owner/physician exactly how your job will work as a virtual position.  Doing this in writing will help you get your thoughts in order; you’ll also be able to refer to your notes as you discuss the option.  Be specific as to what type or work you will be doing; things that generate income will be received more favorably.  Indicate WHY you want this as a solution.  Will you be promoting a green-friendly practice?   Will you be forcing cross-training to allow freedom of employees to take allotted time-off without affecting the practice?  How will this benefit the practice?  (encourages company loyalty, etc.)  Give stats as to how you will be more productive (productivity increases an average of 40%), i.e. getting to projects that you haven’t been able to complete – list examples that are near and dear to the physician’s heart. You can also leave the report behind so the owner/doctor has time to review it and think about your proposal.  She or he is not likely to be receptive to telecommuting if you put her or him on the spot and expect an answer right away.   Suggest assigning an office liaison that your doctor can go to when you are not around.
• It probably goes without saying, but try to select a time when the owner/physician is in a good mood to make your case for telecommuting.  Make an appointment for the least busy day at the office.  You’re probably a good judge of what time of day will be best and how long the presentation should be to give the physician/owner an understanding of what you want without being pushy.  You’re likely to meet with resistance, so be prepared to table the discussion, leave your written report for review, and review the matter at a later date.  An argument, or even a long, drawn-out discussion, will tire your listener and hurt your case.
• Be prepared to compromise.  You may want to telecommute three days per week but only get approval for one; you may want the trial period to last 90 days but only be granted 60.  Accept your losses gracefully and show appreciation for what you’ve been given.  Remember that many owners/physicians are unfamiliar with the concept of telecommuting or, if they are familiar with it, have many misconceptions about it.  All you need, for now, is a foot in the door of your home office and a chance to prove that telecommuting works.
• Be prepared to assume all costs associated with your home office, such as the cost of broadband internet service.  It’s possible to negotiate these expenses at a later date, but asking your employer to cover them during the trial period may net you a ”no” on working virtually at all.
• Let the owners/physicians know that if at anytime they feel the telecommuting arrangement is not working, they can back out of the trial with no hard feelings.  They aren’t likely to exercise it, but an escape clause can help your employer feel more secure.
• If your practice’s owner/physician flatly refuses to conduct even a telecommuting trial period, accept defeat without animosity or bitterness.  Resolve to revisit the issue at a later date, such as at your annual review.