Telecommuting has become increasingly popular as telecommunications technology has continued to advance. Various in-depth studies confirm that most employees who work from home are highly productive, and that part of the reason is that they have fewer distractions than office workers and do not have to commute. In some cases, allowing an employee to work at home is a leap of faith on the part of management, because some positions and some employees really are more suited to the office.

CAUTION SIGNS. Even if the thought of eliminating your commute is highly appealing to you, consider what you might be eliminating that you might prefer to keep. Similarly, think about the new challenges you will face.

PREPARE YOUR CASE. Before asking for such an accommodation and before assuming that you'd be happy working from home, consider several key issues: When you're ready to initiate the discussion, start by asking your manager to schedule a meeting to address the possibility of your working from home. You might say, "I would like to ask you about how we can work together more efficiently. I've been looking at commuting time against the time I'm spending in the office and at home with my family. I'm confident that a smart boost in efficiency for both of us would result from allowing me to telecommute. Is this something you'd be agreeable to exploring?"

If your supervisor is dismissive of this request, saying, "We really need you in the office," you may politely ask why and launch into your justification for such an arrangement. You can introduce success stories and say why you believe you'll be successful and how you expect your performance to be measured. You might also suggest a trial period to permit both parties to test the arrangement. This could range from one day per week for a three-month period to every day for one month, depending on the nature of your work and your rank within the organization. Say, "I'd like to propose that we try this for just one month. I'm confident of my abilities to not only meet but exceed your expectations. I'm aware that you have some hesitancy, and so I'd be happy to supply you with daily reports and updates on my work so that you can monitor my productivity. You won't be disappointed." If, after four weeks, your boss is comfortable with the arrangement, suggest that you switch to a monthly report for the remainder of the year.

When you make the case for telecommuting, stress increased productivity, since that's what's most relevant to the bottom line. Eliminating your commute isn't the paramount concern. Suggest ways that your productivity can be measured. Set benchmarks. If you are a reporter, you may produce three stories a week at work. At home, without the normal distractions of the newsroom, you could produce four. Sell that prospect big-time to your boss in order to get a positive response to your request.