12 Jobs Suited for Home-based Work - How technology makes it easier

For years now, steady advances in mobile communications technology -- including smartphones, high-speed Internet and wireless laptops -- have boosted personal productivity, both at work and at home. But for home-based employees, these handy gadgets have completely transformed their work-life balance, according to findings reported from the June 2009 Kelly Global Workforce Index.

The ranks of home-based workers have grown in step with every new development in technology. Let's face it: We'd all rather commute down our own hallways than across town in bumper-to-bumper traffic. But are you actually set up for it?

While some types of work, and some types of employees, are better suited to remote working arrangements -- there are also some essential technologies you'll need to have in place to be truly effective. Contemplate these key points as you set your remote career in motion:

Jobs and skills that fit home employment

Before anything, consider the nature of your existing job skills, or of the home-based position you'd like to attain. Some types of work are especially well-suited for work in the home environment, including:

1. Administrative or clerical

2. Consulting in fields such as engineering, finance, HR, IT or science

3. Contact / call center

4. Customer service

5. Creative services

6. Field sales

7. Professional services like accounting, tax or legal

8. Research

9. Telesales / telemarketing

10. Translation

11. Writing and editing

12. Web design and development

Of these categories, customer service and call center jobs in particular will continue to present options for workers seeking a home-based lifestyle. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2,062,900 customer service representatives were employed in the United States in 2004. That number is expected to rise 23 percent to 2,534,200 by 2014 -- all while more companies are expected to employ more home-based agents, for related savings on their infrastructure and other cost efficiencies.

Technology drives how and where we work

Recent findings from a 2009 Kelly Global Workforce Index survey, conducted by global workforce solutions leader Kelly Services indicate that the explosion of mobile communications technology is driving big changes in employee behavior, and a shift in our work-life balance. A large majority, 84 percent of respondents, said technology has boosted their personal productivity.

Another 75 percent of respondents agreed that the opportunity provided by devices such as smartphones and laptops to remain in contact with work is a positive development -- even though almost one third are working longer hours as a result. In deciding where to work next, 87 percent reported that a policy for working remotely would be an important factor.

Kelly Services executive vice president and chief operating officer, George Corona, confirmed that the spread of mobile technologies is transforming the way that people interact with their work and their attitudes towards employment. "There is an overwhelming view that the technology provides greater flexibility in working arrangements, and a better balance between work and personal life," Corona noted.

The survey showed that globally, while Gen Y workers (aged 18-29) are at the forefront of the technology-driven lift in productivity, Gen X (aged 30-47) and baby boomers (aged 48-65) are each experiencing significant efficiency gains as well.

Technical job requirements for at-home work

A number of personal skills are commonly expected of home-based employees, like exceptional motivation, time management, self-discipline and the determination needed to succeed without much direct supervision.

But many capable applicants often overlook the common technical aspects required in working from home including a host of basic necessities, depending on your desired assignment:

· A dedicated work space free from household distractions

· A desk, chair and work station

· A filing cabinet, drawers, shelving and office supplies

· A personal computer or laptop, with speakers and sound card preferred

· A reliable high-speed or broadband Internet connection

· A dedicated phone land line, printer and fax machine

· Windows 2003 or higher, plus office, data security and email software

· A quality headset

The good news? Preferred employers often make home-based workers eligible for a wide range of employee discounts to help obtain this required equipment. Responsibility for installing and maintaining all equipment usually falls on the employee, with IT support.

Time well spent

"The revolution in personal communications has improved work-life balance through flexible work practices, working from home, and other family-friendly arrangements, while delivering a significant boost to organizational efficiency," Corona concludes. And with technology marching ever forward, these seem like improvements that are here to stay.

Without a doubt, the convenience of working from home can allow you to eliminate the time, hassle and expense of commuting. Save gas. Spend more time each day doing the things you enjoy. But like any good idea, just be sure when you're ready to make the switch to home-based employment -- you have the right skills and technology in place to thrive.

Kelly Services is a world leader in workforce management services and human resources solutions, providing employment to nearly 650,000 employees annually -- with skills including office services, accounting, engineering, information technology, law, science, marketing, creative services, light industrial, education, and health care. For more information on home-based employment through Kelly Services, please visit www.kellyworkathome.com. For additional information, please visit www.kellyservices.com.

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