According to an estimate done by the New York Times, working from home, also known as telecommuting has risen 79% from 2005 to 2012. As of 2014, 2.6% of the American workforce work from home for someone other than themselves, at least half of the time. If you are included in that 2.6%, then the CGS Team is going to give you a few pointers on how to make the most of working from home and be just as productive as if you were in the office!
There are quite a few benefits to working from home, including saving money on gas for a commute, giving you more time flexibility without worrying about a drive or traffic, not worrying about office chatter or distractions, and many others. There are also some disadvantages, including a lack of social interaction and a constant need to prove yourself and your work. Regardless of the advantages and disadvantages, if your situation calls for you to work from home, then master it! Here are some ways to do just that!
Create an Ideal Workspace
As tempting as it is to lie in bed while working, it definitely doesn’t set the most productive tone. You don’t need a complete room to be an office, but if you designate a small workspace for yourself, it will make all the difference. Set up your computer (or laptop) on a table or desk along with your phone and necessary work supplies.
Make sure you always have pencil and paper handy! Giving yourself a go-to space for work in your home will allow you to get in a productive mindset! Whether you’re at home or in the office, it’s important to have a workspace you enjoy working at. Check out Beautify Your Workspace for some tips on decorating your desk!
Get Dressed (No Matter What)
Another tempting side effect to working from home is the option to get dressed or not. Just like working from your bed, wearing pajamas all day does not help create a productive work environment. Pajamas equals comfort, and while you should be comfortable, if you wouldn’t wear pajamas to an office, then you shouldn’t wear them while working from home. Not to mention, getting dressed can help give you a sense of purpose and have you feeling inspired for the day. Read 8 Office Wardrobe Essentials for more details on what you need to be dressed for work!
When You’re Working, Be At Work
When you work from home, it’s very easy to want to multitask. Doing laundry, taking personal phone calls, checking social media and any other non-work related task should be reserved for after your shift is over. Make sure you let friends and family know your work schedule so they won’t distract you during that time. If you have appointments or house calls that can’t be avoided, try scheduling them during your lunch break. Don’t give yourself any reason not to be an effective at-home worker!
Get Outside
If you work from home, then there is a huge possibility that you may not set one foot outside. Since you don’t have a commute, work would not force you to get some fresh air. With that being said, you will just have to force yourself to go outside! Go for a nice walk during your break or while the sun sets. Get out of the house to run to the gym, store, or to pick up kids (if you have any). Make a conscious effort to breathe in some fresh air at least once a day.
Make Sure Your Voice Is Heard
Just because you work from home doesn’t mean that you can’t grow or move up in your company. Yes, it may be a little more difficult than working in an office due to less visibility, but it’s certainly not impossible. If your job has an internal messaging system, ensure that you are always available and respond promptly.
Make sure that you speak up in virtual meetings and conference calls. Let your work speak for itself! If your work is more precise, prompt, and accurate than a person who works in the office, you can guarantee it will be noticed. Making it a point to turn in exceptional work and speak up during calls will keep management’s eye on you.
Working from home can be a great thing if you take the appropriate steps to build credibility among your manager and co-workers! Does anyone in the CGS community work from home, full time or part time? Do you have any tips on how you make sure you stay in work mode when working from home? Share your thoughts with the community so we can all hear great feedback!
2 thoughts on “How to Master Working From Home”
Wow, not too many people in America work from home. I think all of these points are great to make sure people make the most of their “work from home” lifestyle! Great stuff.
Ooh I don’t work from home but I know a few people who do. And based off of their experience getting dressed everyday really makes a difference.