Working from Home
"Home-work"So you've decided to work from home. Good for you. Just wait, you'll see, your home office will be the comfortable, relaxing, organized, productive workplace you've always imagined. You'll have the luxury of working in your pajamas, sipping coffee and typing on the laptop in your big comfy chair. You'll have the benefit of balancing work and home because you'll be home, right? Not necessarily. Working from home can be fantastic but it takes some discipline and some ground rules to really make it work. The ETIQUETTE LADIES |
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 [ 2005-05-11 ] |
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So you've decided to work from home. Good for you. Just wait, you'll see, your home office will be the comfortable, relaxing, organized, productive workplace you've always imagined. You'll have the luxury of working in your pajamas, sipping coffee and typing on the laptop in your big comfy chair. You'll have the benefit of balancing work and home because you'll be home, right? Not necessarily. Working from home can be fantastic but it takes some discipline and some ground rules to really make it work.
Here is some advice from some home-office entrepreneurs who are making it work from home:
Brigitte Winterhoff- A self-employed HR Consultant and Sales Rep who works from a home office suggests...
"Develop a routine that works for you. Since you may have a more flexible schedule when working from home, try to take advantage of the times when you feel most productive, e.g. Early birds might start answering e-mails while the coffee is brewing; night owls might sleep in and work late.
Designate a work area, and set it up so you can access files, materials, etc. quickly when you need them. When your work is done for the day, 'leave the office' (physically or mentally), and enjoy your home and social life. But...
Be wary of distractions and temptations! TV, chores, friends and neighbors who drop by... all can get in the way of your work if you let them. Set priorities and stick to them. Use a 'to do list' or planner to manage your time. Ask family and friends to respect your 'office hours', and tell them when you will be available for their calls or visits.
And remember busines phone calls should sound business-like! Make sure the person on the other end of the call won't be distracted by background noises or interruptions. For an important call, consider dressing as you would for a business meeting. Even though other people on the call can't see you, 'dressing the part' can give you a boost of confidence."
Tracy Reis- Home Based Entrepreneur of design works by tjb echoes Brigitte and warns,
"Make a clear distinction between working and housework. When you're working, whatever hours those are, you're not doing laundry."
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