There is a significant rise in the number of people working from their homes, accoring to Skype. Many companies are now even offering a work from home option. Below are some simple tips that may help you become more productive and effective.
Find Your Space
Create a space you will call your office, and, if at all possible, make it off limits to others. Make sure this space is comfortable and inspiring. Spruce it up to your liking by maybe adding a special piece of artwork or purchasing a couple of plants.
Don't Work in Your Pajamas
Instead, have breakfast, have a shower, get dressed. Then make a list of sensible tasks for the day and get started on them.
Establish and Communicate Work Hours
Avoid distractions and interruptions by letting everyone know when you are working. Create boundaries and standards and make sure you honor them (expect others to honor them, as well). Don't deal with personal problems during your working hours.
Turn Off the Telephone
Some find it very helpful to turn off your cell phone altogether while working, that way you are not tempted to answer it.
Create an Abundance of Supplies
Make sure you have enough paper, staples, paperclips, postage stamps, etc. on hand so you don't have to run out in the middle of something big, or that has a deadline.
Back Up Your Files Periodically
Computers do crash. Make sure if it does there is a back up, that way your data is saved and you are able to get yourself back into business quickly.
Set Clearly Defined, Achievable Business Goals
Write down your goals and keep them visible. Be sure they are exact, attainable, realistic and trackable. Rather than establishing many far-reached goals, set small reachable goals that may lead to a larger more distant goal.
Allow Yourself Time to "Commute"
Use the time that you have gained by not having to drive to the office to enhance your personal life. Take a break and do something you enjoy. Be a good boss and take care of yourself physically and emotionally.
Establish Systems for Managing Child Care and Household Chores
Find good child care whether it's in your home or outside. It's very important to keep the children away from you when you are working so that you have the opportunity to have focused, creative and productive work time free of distractions and interruptions. Get a low-cost housecleaner to assist with the household chores or use other effective means to keep your home in order (e.g., delegate some of the responsibilities, divide up the household chores, let go of the perfection!).
Be Grateful You’re Working From Home and Not In Some Cubicle
That gratitude can help motivate you to work harder, so you maycontinue to work from home.
Shelly Thomson-Blevins - Shelly Thomson-Blevins is just a girl trying to balance love, life, and everything in between.
