Work More Effectively From Home
Whether you’re an employee of a company or an independent professional working for yourself, you might have a chance to work from home. Be aware, though, that this arrangement can cause problems if you’re not prepared. Here are some tips.
1: Dress the part
2: Keep a separate office
3: Discipline yourself regarding break times
4: Discipline yourself regarding snacking
5: Check insurance
6: Educate and set guidelines for the family
7: Establish start and stop times
8: Use a separate phone line for business
9: Clarify computer ownership and policies
10: Check zoning if necessary
11: Keep in touch with the boss
Photo by woodsy.
Matt | Small Biz Bee on December 1st, 2008 8:17 am
I think dressing the part is key. We’re just not as effective as we’d like to believe when in pajama bottoms and slippers. Also setting clear boundaries between work and personal will help with time management and sanity management when working from home too.
Matt
Curt on December 1st, 2008 3:17 pm
I’m not so sure this trend is going to result is more productivity. The housing boom has given everyone an extra room for a home office, but that’s about it. I think the disconnected employees will result is less work getting done over time.
Home Based Business on December 1st, 2008 3:34 pm
I am a home business entrepreneur and appreciate the post. It can be difficult juggling kids and honey-dos and still get done what needs to get done. I like to use the term DMO. Daily Method of Operation. Establish income producing time, advertising time, etc….Organization is king.
On the other side of the coin, don’t get so stuck to your DMO to the point you can’t enjoy the work from home lifestyle.
Define what is important and go with it!
Thanks again!
cassy on December 2nd, 2008 6:02 am
If really have no choice in working outside,then this is the time to try to have a work at home ,like online job if this will work out and more effecteve , then i will stay working at home , done doing outside with nothing.
Jaclyn on December 2nd, 2008 12:41 pm
I agree with this post a great deal. being a work from home mom of a small baby i juggle so much in one day it’s ridiculous. Some day’s i think i work harder now then i did when i worked outside the house. but that come’s with the title of working from home, it’s bound to happen to everyone at some point. but there are way’s to keep it running smoother and to keep you from wanting to play in traffic, the above list is a good “mini list” if you will on the do’s and dont’s of working from home.
Jude on December 2nd, 2008 9:01 pm
“Dress the part” is silly advice unless you take it to mean, hey, I’m at home, I can wear whatever I want. At my online job, the software we use opens up with a beautiful blonde, her hair wound into a perfect bun, wearing a suit. Huh? I asked my colleagues, “Hey, do any of *you* dress like that?” No way. That’s the advantage of being at home–no major wardrobe expense (or commuting expense).
Make Money Online Resources on December 8th, 2008 9:07 pm
I don’t agree with the “dress the part” either. I work at home, but I find it much more relaxing to work in my pajamas or in just my casual clothes. When I dress like a professional I feel awkward and actually find it more difficult to concentrate and I am much less productive.
But I definitely agree with the keeping a separate office. I am much more productive when I work outside of my bedroom.
Susan on December 9th, 2008 9:56 pm
There are definate good points to the post. I have found that I have had to set boundaries because most people see you as being home with time to kill, instead of actually trying to make a business.
My business of http://www.knotnbauble.com is still a very new venture even after 2 years. With today’s economy on the brink of a depression, working from home for those just starting out will be very hard to do unless you have some very strict rules, regulations and a pocket book to back you.
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