How to Score a Promotion Even When Working From Home

Companies increasingly offer options for employees to work from home. Work flexibility programs have become buzz-worthy over the past two years, and the idea of working from home has led to an entirely new way of thinking about productivity, time management and office culture.

Despite the idyllic setting of an office space next to the bedroom, one major hurdle exists for employees who work from home. Managers responsible for getting you that job promotion may think you lack dependability and responsibility because you don't show up at the office every day. Traditionally, showing up early and staying late indicate your dedication, perseverance and commitment to the company.

Use several techniques to stay relevant to your bosses, even if they only talk to you once a week. Make sure your manager knows how valuable you are to the company despite the fact you work from home. Answering the phone promptly and making yourself available shows your willingness to work at any time. However, you also have to deliver quality, not just quantity.

Taking 80 calls a day from home is great, just stay focused on the task at hand, even with your kids running down the hallway. Create your own office space at home that no one else goes into, no matter what. Keep your office space organized as you would at work. Dress appropriately for those high-powered video conferences. Have the same routine as you prepare for work from home as you do for work at the office. Having the same routine puts you in the mindset of work, not just the physical setting of doing your job.

Have backup communication methods should something fail, such as a spare computer. If your Internet connection goes down, have an alternative. Talk to your boss and colleagues by phone. Although emails are quick, efficient and leave a paper trail, talking to your bosses so they hear your voice keeps you relevant physically. Come into the office once a week to remind your manager that you do exist, and you do valuable work.

Volunteer to take on new assignments when you work from home. This shows you have drive and determination, even if your new task is not your specialty. If you work in data entry, try to take on some sales work if the office is short-handed. You can use your hard-working ethic as possible leverage for a promotion. If you find a job with another company based on your current performance, find out how much your manager does not want to lose you. You may get a raise, or a job promotion, very quickly if the prospect of losing you is too great.

When you work from home, you do not necessarily work in your pajamas. Maintain professionalism, create a relevant work space and deliver quality work to your bosses to remind them that you are a precious commodity and not just someone who clocks in from a far away place.

Photo courtesy of graur razvan ionut at FreeDigitalPhotos.net