If you’ve received permission to telecommute in your position as practice manager, either part-time or full-time, on a trial basis or permanently, you’ll want to make the right impression so the owner/physician who gave consent will feel good about the decision. Whether you continue telecommuting long-term or not, it’s important for your supervisors to have confidence in your ideas and faith that you can carry them to fruition, as well as solve problems that crop up along the way. To do this, you must arm yourself with the right tools:
- Written telecommuting schedule, distributed to all interested parties. If you are working from home part-time, keep to your schedule – switching days and/or times will be confusing to physicians and staff and will make it appear that you are abusing the opportunity.
- With your supervisor, determine how you will sign in and out each day. Options include completing a daily timesheet, logging in and out on the computer, and calling in at the beginning and end of each workday. Include provisions for when you will take your breaks (again, a set schedule is best) and how you will notify your supervisor and staff.
- With your supervisor and staff, determine methods of communication. Consider email, chat, Skype, and phone. Make a commitment to check email and messages no less than once every two hours.
- Create a system for signing equipment and files, if applicable, in and out of the office. You may need to invest in a lockbox for your home office. Be sure your home office desk drawers lock and that you have the keys. Lock a second set of keys in the office safe.
- Ensure that your home office is set up well in advance of the telecommuting start date. You will look very unprofessional if your first day of virtual employment is spent waiting for the cable guy. Your remote office must have a computer with the ability to access the practice’s server and email, broadband internet access, and antiviral software that updates automatically, as well as a telephone with voicemail, printer, fax machine, and copier. If you’ll be using Skype, be sure you have a webcam and headset – and remember, this means working in your pajamas isn’t an option!
- Your home office should have ergonomically correct furniture, good lighting, and a door that closes. A doorknob “do not disturb” sign is helpful if anyone else will be in the house during your working hours. Be sure your home office is stocked with a range of office supplies. A small office refrigerator stocked with water and soda is helpful for busy days or long conference calls.
