Q. Most people in my company live relatively close to the office, but I live a decent commute away. Last winter, I was forced to use vacation when I couldn’t travel due to weather travel bans and I wasn’t allowed to work from home. What can I do this year to work from home and avoid being in the same situation?

A. Many organizations are not prepared to manage people remotely. Having a conversation with managers prior to the next winter storm might help them stretch their thinking.

First, be honest. Can you do your job remotely? If you are the receptionist, it won’t work, but many other positions allow for a snow day to turn into a work day from home. Do not take on the whole “work from home’’ argument at this point. Just the days that offer travel hazards.

Develop a plan to show your ­capability to work remotely. Which ­projects can easily be done remotely? What do you need to have with you the night before a storm to make sure you will be productive? Do you have technology issues that will limit your capability? Do you have undisturbed space? Or will kids interrupt your efforts? You should be prepared to address such issues if they’re raised by your boss.

What other fears might your ­manager have? On the proposed snow day, would speaking to your manager mid-day and later in the day help calm his concerns?

How employers deal with these issues is often a matter of company policy. Many employers have written inclement weather policies to make clear whether and under what circumstances employees will be paid when they cannot report to work. Last year’s brutal winter highlighted the importance of inclement weather policies.

The ability to effectively work from home eliminates this issue for many employers and employees. Employers are encouraged to balance operational needs with the safety of their employees.

Elaine Varelas is managing partner at Keystone Partners, a career management firm in Boston.