Telecommuting is becoming the new normal. Legal transcription, business administration and medical coding have been common telecommuting professions for several years, but the work-at-home paradigm is catching on across a wide range of industries.
At-home workers can be productive if they learn to manage distractions, stay focused and tailor their environments to create a workplace that enhances-not detracts from-the business at hand.
So, read on to know the three secrets to help you stay productive while working at home.
Focus by setting limits.
Remember the office? Sure you do. Florescent lights. Cubicles. Attention to the task at hand could be elusive with loquacious co workers hanging over your shoulder. But at least you knew you were all there for a mutual purpose. One advantage the traditional cube farm has over a home office is the surroundings is exclusively consecrated to the company's mission. There are plenty of diversions, sure, but you 're part of a squad that is always going to bring you back to the project at hand.
At home, focus is a state of mind best achieved by isolating your workspace and your time. Make your workplace room off-limits to acquaintances, family members and even pets. You might feel cheesy putting up a do not disturb sign, but it's a polite way to make sure others get the message: you are not to be disrupted. Once the roadblocks are up, you can focus easily on your project.
Get the best out of the machines you own.
If the only machine you depend on to work from home is the coffee machine, perhaps you should think about new ways to make technology work for you.
Machines are a home worker's best friends. They are there to make your job easier and to make all things function more efficiently. They help save time. Actually, it might be a good idea to see them as your employees. So put them to work.
A computer with a Net connection and a phone are crucial for many at-home jobs. A fax machine may seem seem like a relic of the '90s, but you may find that you need one of those as well.
What programs do you need on your home office computer? Don't waste your energy and precious time driving to meetings if you can use Google Hangouts or Skype.
Establish a comfortable surrounding for yourself.
Here's one of the best advantages of working from home: You can actually tailor your work environments to bring out your creativeness and enhance your performance. You 're not on the cube farm any more, so feng shui your home office for maximum productiveness. You might have your desk face the garden if you find mother earth soothes your nerves and refreshes your mind. Adjust the lighting to what works for you; bright for improved focus or dimmed for cozy and relaxed. If you build the perfect environment, you can put yourself in "the zone."
