WAH Communication

When you work at home (WAH), communication is a key component of your success. However, the form of communication is different than you experience in an office setting. In an office setting, you are, in most cases, face-to-face with your employer. This allows you to read facial expressions and interrupt body language, which can give you vital information. When you work from home, you do not get that advantage.

Forms of communication in a WAH position are telephone conversations, e-mail, and instant messenger. The most used of these communication types is e-mail. Email is not as personable and can come across as harsh and/or unclear. When you receive an email from your WAH employer, it can come across as negative. This happens because many e-mail writers select words for e-mail messages different than they would when they speak to a person.

When you receive an e-mail from a WAH employer, take your time reading it. After you read it once, give yourself some time to digest the words. Then, read it a second time. If you have any questions about the message or feel the message is unclear, type a draft reply to the message in a polite manner asking for clarification. Save the draft and take a break. Walk away from the computer. When you return, read over your draft reply and make any necessary revisions. Make sure the message is clear and focused on the need for clarification. Show respect for your WAH employer, as working from home is a great opportunity. Do not let communication get in the way of continuing that experience.

Posted:Monday, November 17, 2008