With the rising cost of gas, many employers are looking to telecommuting or four-day work weeks to help defray the cost of commuting. I love this! However, if you are considering making a change to your schedule, or to where you conduct your daily work, there are some things you should consider:
1.) Have a dedicated work space. If you are going to work one or two days a week from home, make sure that you have a dedicated space to do your work. The kitchen table is not a good place to "make camp." The space you set up should allow you to do everything that you do when you are in the office. Remember, telecommuting is still a new concept for a number of employers. Anything that will make you less productive will make it harder for your employer to continue to support the idea.
2.) Keep the TV and other distractions away. When people first start working from home, it is very for them to get distracted. Could be running to the kitchen to get a snack, or stopping to watch a "few minutes" of TV. When you set up your space, be honest with yourself and eliminate as many distractions as possible before they happen.
3.) Pajamas are good for some and not for others. Some people can work from home in the comfort of their PJs, but for others it would be a recipe for disaster. Clothing can make a psychological difference in how seriously you take your work. Be honest with yourself and dress for your success.
For example, I learned that if I'm in sweats, I am WAY too comfortable and I get sloppy with how much I can get done in the day. But if I have on jeans or slacks, I can get a lot done.
4.) Have systems to handle your mobile office. If you end up working a few days from home and a few days in your company office, having a good system to get things back and forth is very important. If you don't you will end up either leaving something at one location and needing it at another, or taking everything with you in your car and never having room for people to sit!
Think through what types of things you really need at home. Only take those things. Make sure that your action systems can go with you rather than duplicating them. In upcoming posts I'll show you how you can set up a system to work with you on the go.
What things do you think someone should think about if they are going to work from home and the office? I'd love to hear your thoughts or questions. Share them in the comment section!
6 comments so far...
I agree. While I worked from home when my son was a baby and toddler, he went to preschool. My schedule and his schedule were on a flexible schedule. The choice you make will be determined by a number of factors.
Since my son was 3.5 he has understood work time vs. play time with mom. My laptop also makes time more flexible.
slhc
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Stephanie Calahan on 23rd July 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Sandhya on 21st July 2008
Good for you. There are so many people that don't get that.
slhc
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Stephanie Calahan on 1st July 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Karen on 30th June 2008
I agree! I started my business when my son was 1 year old. He is now 7. As your child gets older, you can teach her about the difference b/t fun time and work time. My boys now totally understand what it means when I say "I'm making a work call." Now if I could just get the PUPPY to follow better!
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Stephanie Calahan on 28th June 2008
Flag as inappropriate Posted by Diane on 28th June 2008