by Erin Doherty

Created on: October 31, 2009

With the proliferation of high-speed internet in homes, working from home has become a more viable and attractive option for workers and employers in many fields. Employers save money on office space and gain the perception that they promote workplace satisfaction and work-life balance. Workers save time and money by skipping the commute and minimizing their workplace wardrobe. Workers may also have slightly greater flexibility at home. Although parents working from home have some flexibility in doing minor household chores (e.g., starting dinner or putting in a load of laundry), there are several stereotypes that parents who work from home must contend with.

Most stereotypes of employees who work from home stem from the belief that they are not really working, but keeping an eye on the computer while cleaning the house or watching TV. Family and friends are especially guilty of making jokes about lounging around in sweatpants, eating bonbons. Some family members may also assume that you are available for long lunches, shopping trips, and errands. One way for the home worker to combat this is to behave as if one is going to work by setting up a home office and demonstrating this area to family and friends. If this stereotype persists, describing a full slate of phone conferences or other workplace commitments may be effective. During the work day, it is important that the home worker not answer the family phone line or entertain visitors. Once the home worker starts to try to satisfy workplace requirements and family requests at the same time, it will be very difficult to re-segregate the two.

Parents have additional difficulties with working from home that need to be addressed. Combating stereotypes tactfully can be difficult when interacting with casual acquaintances. Other parents may assume that a parent who works from home is available to volunteer at the school or to babysit their children during school vacation or during their child's illness. Again, assumptions of this sort tie into the general stereotype that those that work from home are not as engaged with their work and therefore have free time to devote to other efforts. When speaking with other parents, minimizing the difference between working from home and working in a traditional office setting may avoid misunderstandings. Since most home workers still employ some sort of childcare, mentioning the costs of an in-home babysitter or daycare center may disabuse other parents of the idea that you are available. If the subtle approach does not work, people who work from home should state that they are unavailable without any explanation of their schedule.

Working from home has benefits for employees and employers alike. Once stereotypes are addressed, working from home is an enjoyable time- and money-saving option.

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