In today's technologically advanced world, more and more people are taking the opportunity to work from home. It could be a telecommuting situation or actually running a home-based business. While working this way removes stresses, it can also add them to your daily work life. Here are some simple tips for making the most of your home/work arrangement.
Having a routine is an essential first step in establishing your home office environment. When I first began working from a home office, I really struggled with this. I was getting up at different times, randomly tackling tasks, and basically finding myself stressed at the end of the day with not a lot to show for it and maybe not even showered. Getting up at the same time every day, eating breakfast, exercising, and getting dressed for work set me up to be more productive and successful in my home office. You should pick a routine that works for you and stick to it.
Set up a space in your home dedicated to your work. This could be a separate office in a spare room, a section of your own room, or even the garage for that matter. It is wherever you feel comfortable and productive. Make sure you have adequate lighting, a fairly quiet environment, and access to the equipment you need. Define this area as your work space, and make that clear to your family or housemates.
Staying organized can be one of the biggest challenges of working from home. When I left a traditional office to the home office, I went from being extremely organized to letting things go a little bit. My papers were beginning to just be in piles all over and I was losing focus on what I wanted to accomplish each day. Setting up my calendar on Google so that I only had to enter appointments in one location (phone or PC) was a huge help. Now my phone and my computer say the same thing. Using a task list program, such as Outlook, keeps me focused on what the priority actions are for the day and the week. I also bought a label maker to get my file folders neat and organized. A disorganized work area can add to your stress and make it difficult for you to be productive.
Clearly defining your work hours to yourself as well as to your clients, family, and friends is helpful in creating a good home working environment. I often find myself continually looking at my email well in to the night instead of spending that time winding down. This is frustrating to those around you and makes you feel more pressure. On the flip side, don't let distractions available at home deter you from accomplishing your work tasks. Be clear with your clients that you will be available during specific times, and stick to it. Scheduling yourself breaks during the day, such as lunch, is part of defining your work hours.
Working at home can sometimes feel like being alone in the world. If most of your interaction during the day is electronic, you can start to feel isolated and less satisfied with the home office situation. I belong to both Toastmasters and Business Network International. These two memberships serve a dual purpose: they each get me out of my home office once a week to interact with other people and they give me an opportunity to network with other professionals.
Lastly, double check your homeowners insurance coverages when setting up your home office. If you will have clients or coworkers come to your home for business purposes, you might need to add some specialty riders depending on your policy. The time to do this is now and not after someone slips on your front walk.
Working at home is a privilege that many of us have been lucky enough to have. If you set yourself up for success by thinking ahead and doing some planning, you will love it as much as I have.
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