One of the best things that happened to me in my professional life was I was forced to work from home. It was a mandate from a former employer that we start “telecommuting” rather than work in an office. It made great sense, for my employer they didn’t have to spend money on things like office furniture, parking spaces, square footage and telephones. For me, the advantages were obvious, I could get up later, work in my sweats, no commuting, in other words, freedom. Initially, I was hesitant and I actually continued to go into the office and used whatever cubicle was available until my boss kicked me out.

I haven’t looked back since, and today I can’t imagine even going into an office. When I started my company, I was already “trained” and disciplined enough to know how to work from home.

Are you working from home for a company? According to a survey conducted by Korn/Ferry International, 61% of executives said that telecommuters were less likely to get promoted even though in the same survey 48% of them believe that those employees are as productive. So if a company mandates or provides you with the option of telecommuting, they’re actually hurting your career.
I actually experienced this first hand. Years ago, I worked for a company that was headquartered in Tampa, but I telecommuted from my home in Orlando (about an hour and a half away). Through the 5 years I was there, I saw one person after another promoted before I was even though I was evaluated in the top of my profession. I recognized my predicament so I would regularly come into the office to help advance my career. However, one thing I learned is that relationships and interaction that you build on a daily basis were never as strong when you built them over the phone.

So if you’re working for a company and you telecommute be aware, you’re at a BIG disadvantage, but if you’re getting prepared for your eventual departure, I say it’s the best training you could ever have.

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