Establishing Your Home Office
Many organizations are rewarding and retaining employees with more flexible work hours and the option to work from home. Some professionals work exclusively from their home office and others enjoy the perk every now and then, but unless you have a designated space, the work-from-home situation can be more difficult than not.
Home based workers whether full-time or occasional have the responsibility of being self-motivated and disciplined since they are out of view from co-workers and supervisors. Whether you are commuting from the stairway or the highway, it’s important to set specific work hours as well as a space in your home that is only for work.
Your office at home should be totally separate from your living space, preferably with a door that closes so you can eliminate all outside noise when talking on the phone. If you don’t have the luxury of a door, consider a folding screen to really set boundaries and differentiate your work space from your living area.
While rolling out of bed in your PJs and starting the work day über casual is ok every now and then, consider dressing for work at home just as you might if you had to commute to the office. We take behavioral cues from our environment as well as our wardrobe. You will speak differently during that important conference call if you are dressed the part than you would if you are lounging in pajamas and slippers.
Many of the women I have interviewed who have started their own businesses enjoy the flexibility of working from home because they can adjust their schedule around the needs of their families. If they drop the kids off at school every weekday, then they begin working in earnest when they arrive back at the house. Try and establish a set schedule so you can be most productive and so your virtual colleagues will know when they can reach you. If you have your own business, you can set the rules but if you work for another organization from your home, you will need to maintain a schedule so colleagues can find you.
Make sure you have a separate land line for your work at home or a cell phone so you don’t mix business with personal calls. Even though your three year old is adorable when she answers the phone, the client on the other end won’t be as amused when trying to reach you.
Your office desk, lighting, computer, and chair are just as important at home. Purchasing an ergonomic office chair and desk are investments in your physical well being and will save your back, neck, and posture in the long run.
Lastly, if you find yourself going stir crazy working alone from home, schedule lunch meetings with colleagues or work a few hours from your local internet café each week. Coming in contact with people might just help you stay focused and energize you to be more productive.
