How to Handle Employee Telecommuting Requests

Can you offer suggestions on how to handle employees that are interested in telecommuting for part of their work week? 
– HR Manager, Marketing Firm

The first concern you need to explore is how to offer this type of flexibility, while maintaining the integrity of the role this employee fills. How will it work when they are not in the office? What problems will arise? How many other employees will ask for the same arrangement — and how many more could you accommodate? On the other side are concerns about losing this employee, if you don’t offer this option. What is leading them to make such a request and are these breaking points? So to answer the question – handle the request thoughtfully. The more collaborative the discussion, the better the chances are of a positive outcome, even if the answer is “no”.