There are some great benefits to working from home. Sometimes, being able to settle into your home office, free from office distractions, is the best way to get focused and productive. Plus, it doesn’t hurt to have more control over your schedule – not to mention save money on commuting costs.

But while many office workers have the ability and desire to telecommute, not every employee is offered this privilege right away. So, if you want to make a change, it may be up to you to convince your boss that you can handle the responsibility of working remotely.

Here are some tips for making your case:

• Make sure you are already getting your work done. If your employer has any concerns about a telecommuting policy, it likely involves fear of a major productivity drop-off. To convince your boss that you can meet expectations while at home, you need to be doing so while in the office. Entering this negotiation when you’re a week behind on an important project does not give you a strong position.
• Create a communication system for regular check-ins. When you’re in the office, it’s easy for your boss to stop by and check in on your progress. When you’re at home, not so much. Suggest a chat program – such as Google chat or Slack – so that you can keep in contact with the rest of the office and let everyone know that you are working.
• Propose a trial period. Sometimes, the only way to determine whether telecommuting can work is to try it out. An article in Forbes suggests asking for a few days per week, along with regular check-ins to measure your progress. If all goes well, your boss may be more comfortable establishing a permanent telecommuting policy.