My first telecommuting proposal was submitted to my boss (2 supervisors and management team) over ten years ago while I worked at a public health agency. The two supervisors (both moms) were supportive of the proposal, but the management team indicated it wouldn’t look at the proposal for over six months. As I was biding my time, another supervisor approached me. She empathized with my situation (mother of young children), but indicated that working-at-home wasn’t an option because we had to be accountable to the state. Nevermind that I had expanded my program and even state recognition! It was assumed I’d be watching Oprah and eating bonbons instead of doing my work. At the time, I knew other public health workers in other offices that telecommuted, but it was clear to me that my proposal was dead in the water.
Today Virginia is making huge leaps in telecommuting. According to the Commonwealth Times three bills have just won approval from the Senate’s technology committee. While I won’t be going back to the health department, perhaps others who work in the same position as I held will have a better chance.
TIP: If you’re presenting a work-at-home proposal to your boss in Virginia, include a copy of the above article!
