According to TrainingIndustry.com, more than 40 percent of the workforce works from home at least two days a week. Nearly 4.5 million college students will take at least one course online this year. Every worker that telecommutes saves the company $20,000 a year and studies show that telecommuting can increase employees' job satisfaction, improve work performance, and reduce stress.

It's no doubt telecommuting has its perks.  But the question is – can anyone do it?  Are all employees well-qualified to join the corporate pajama bash?  Just like certain skills are required for traditional job settings – there are certain skills that are ESSENTIAL to understand and master before an employee can be a true telecommuter.

Here are just a few suggestions:

• Ensure that your work environment is a healthy one.  Just because you're working from home, doesn't mean you can slack on sleep, exercise, or other healthy habits.  Treat your work environment like a true, professional one.
• Designate a specific area for work.  Bringing your laptop to the couch while watching the game may be enticing, but it's a sure way to get little work done.
• Keep your surroundings professional.  Unless it's an emergency – keep yapping kids or barking dogs out of the telephone conversation.
• Set a schedule.  Tell family and friends not to disturb you during your hours of work if you really want to get things accomplished.
• Check personal email, social networking sites, and internet browsing at set times.  It may be hard to avoid Facebook notifications when they pop up, but we all know how easy it is to get side-tracked.

These are just 5 of many qualities a successful telecommuter must undertake.  Discuss your telecommuting environment with fellow telecommuters and bounce ideas off each other. 

Bottom line:  A flexible workplace can be a positive experience IF it is treated with respect and professionalism.