When it comes to flexible jobs, the popularity of telecommuters are rising with one in five workers around the world telecommuting frequently with nearly 10% working from home everyday. Employees love the idea of reducing their commuting time, and employers are more and more moving towards open concept office, where employees do not have permanent desks. Working from home can hold many challenges for the employees. Here are a few tips to make sure that you telecommuters are staying productive at home.
Get Dressed
Even though you are at home, does not mean you should stay in your pyjamas all day. When working from home, it’s a good idea to dress up, just like you would if you were going to the office. Have a morning routine like you would if you were commuting to work. This will help you make a different between relaxing at home and working at home. Research shows that what you wear has a real impact on your alertness at work. A recent Forbes article also quotes Dr. Karen Pine,professor of psychology at the University of Hertfordshire and fashion psychologist saying “Dressing casually could cause an employee to feel less focused and alert”.
Have a Designated Workspace
The separation between work and fun is key when working from home. Set up an office in your home that is only used for work. Make sure to have stock it with all the appropriate office supply, but more than that, make sure it is cozy. Investing in a nice chair and proper lighting may just be enough to help motivate you. Get out of your bed and work from a less distracting place.
Telecommuters need to set up a space to work to avoid distractions
Create a Daily Schedule
Creating a daily schedule or a checklist and stick with it. This will help you assess your progress and your work style on a daily basis, but also for a longer term. It is also a great motivational tool to be able to check off what you accomplished today. However, it is important to enjoy the flexibility your work allows to have. Consider using a tool such as Rescue Time where packages start as low as 9$ per month. This tool tracks your time and reminds you to stay on task. It is so easy to get distracted and new time tracking tools such as that can show you just how much time you have worked allowing you to be more productive.
Take Breaks
Working from home can sometimes mean longer hours, and the lack of commuting may also mean most of your day spent inside the home. When the idea of taking a mid-day nap seems completely irresistible, the best thing to do is to change the scenery. Go to a coffee shop, to a library or simply go take a walk and get some fresh air. This can help boost your focus for the rest of the day.
Don’t Forget Face time
Telecommuters will tell you that it can sometimes seem as though you are in isolation at home. Working from home does not have to be lonely. Setting up a lunch date with colleague, or even visiting the office from time to time can help you stay connected with the company and can sustain important relationships.
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