February 20, 2019
Let’s Take on TELEWORK DC!
Happy Telework Week! This year the District is joining Virginia in encouraging local employers to allow qualifying employees to work remotely at least one day during Telework Week, March 4-8, 2019.
goDCgo is encouraging DC residents and commuters to telework during #TeleworkWeekDC and enter our giveaway contest! Follow @goDCgo on Twitter and/or Facebook, take a picture of your workspace, tag @goDCgo and your employer, and hashtag #TeleworkDC for the chance to win a $50 gift card! One winner will be selected daily during #TeleworkWeekDC on March 4-8, 2019.
Do you want to start participating in a teleworking program but not sure where to begin? We’ve put together your go-to guide to achieve a better work-life balance through teleworking.
Where to start
First, you must check whether your company already offers a telework program. If they do, most companies have eligibility criteria and an application process to adhere to. So, we recommend starting with your Human Resources department.
If your company doesn’t have a preexisting program, don’t be discouraged! The idea of teleworking is still relatively new and it may be up to you to spearhead the program. Start by drafting a proposal to your company’s Leadership and HR Department that outlines the benefits of teleworking and why it would be a good fit for you. Specifically, be sure to include:
- A schedule. Come up with a schedule that works for you, your colleagues, and your employer. To encourage buy-in, consider suggesting a trial period followed by a review session to make sure the schedule is still working for all parties involved.
- A list of your job responsibilities. Map out exactly what you are responsible for on a day-to-day basis and how these duties can be adapted to teleworking.
- A Personal Statement. Explain why you would be a good candidate for teleworking. Talk about your personality, levels of self-motivation and discipline.
- A communications strategy. Describe how you will communicate with your supervisor, coworkers, clients, etc. to ensure a seamless transition.
- Home office details. Tell your employer about your home office plans and how you plan on mitigating any potential distractions or issue. If you don’t have a home office, we’ve listed some co-working options below.
Submitting a detailed written proposal demonstrates that you’ve given your request a lot of thought and allows you to address any potential concerns in advance. Plus, you’ll be amazed at what a simple request can achieve! Many employers only find out about teleworking when their forward-thinking employees raise the issue
Telework Locations in the DC Area
Whether you choose to work from home or at a telework center, either full-time or a few days a week, telecommuting eliminates the stress of commuting. Here are some of our favorite telework spaces in the District:
Cove provides a network of workspaces to get things done, alongside others doing just the same. Work whenever, wherever and however you choose.
Rent a desk for yourself or an office for your startup — options abound in unique DC spaces.
DC Workspaces provides flexible office solutions with three DC locations. The Farragut Workspace is located at 1025 Connecticut Avenue NW, Suite 1000.
DC Workspaces provides flexible office solutions with three DC locations. The Georgetown Workspace is located at 1101 30th Street, NW, 5th Floor.
DC Workspaces provides flexible office solutions with three DC locations. The NoMa Workspace is located at 840 1st Street, NE.
