If you’re like me, you probably think of someone who telecommutes as a highly organized, super-efficient and extremely satisfied professional. But the reality of working from both home and the head office can be very different from the image we carry in our heads.
To be a successful telecommuter, you must put systems and strategies in place to guarantee that success.
Action – First, work! Set work times and make sure you and your family know what they are.
Second, your office environment must be a priority. A corner of the bedroom or a dark basement won’t work.
Third, create a ritual to turn work on and off like closing and locking the office door at the end of the day.
And, make sure you spend time in daily interaction with others.
If you don’t want to drive into the office every day, make an effort to get your home office working environment just right!
(Photo from Jeremy Levine Design on Flickr.com)
I love this advice, Nancy! I have used a similar method while telecommuting and also while working on various school assignments. Surprisingly, my productivity increased substantially after implementing such strategies. Now I am going to take the third action step you have suggested and see if I can actually leave work alone while the door is closed!
These strategies have worked for me but I still get a lot more done at the real office.
Agree 100% on these tips! Having a routine is critical. Also, don’t forget to take breaks, eat lunch, etc…. Not having cues from colleagues around me left me realizing it was 3pm and I hadn’t stopped all day. I still take a few minutes at lunch to walk around the block and reset for the afternoon.