Newer technologies are allowing people more freedom to work from home or in remote situations. Cloud computing, VPN, remote desktop and other technologies allow businesses to extend the network to their virtual employees. However, the situation can be unproductive for employees who lack focus or attention. This article will highlight some of the things you can do to help you stay more productive while working from home.
It is a good idea to establish a routine when working remotely. Perform the same tasks you would each morning if you were going into the office. That means showering, shaving, brushing teeth, etc should all be accomplished as though you were going into the office. This helps you get into the right frame of mind for a productive work day.
It is also important to have a specific work space when working remotely. It is not a good idea to work in the bed or on the couch in front of a TV. Get a desk that is free of clutter and distraction. And, make it an area that you can close off or leave each day so you do not have to stare at your work every day and all day.
Utilize new technology to stay in communication with your coworkers. There is a wide array of technologies that make this possible. These include email, texting, chat clients like Skype and Yammer. You can also utilize cloud services like Google Apps and Microsoft Office 365. It is important to communicate with the team each day. Working remotely should not be an excuse for not knowing what is going on. There are just too many options available to keep everyone in the loop no matter where they are in the world.
It is important to make a clear distinction between work life and home life. That is why I mentioned finding a work space that you can shut off from your personal life each day. But, that also goes for the work hours you establish. When you work from home it is easy to work a little extra each day and start a little early each day. It is also easy for other people to get the perception that you can do this. Start from the beginning with very clear work hours and work areas. Otherwise, you will find yourself getting burned out in a hurry.
Working from home and away from the office is a great benefit if it is available. But, it is easy to get distracted and become unproductive if you do not take the necessary measures to avoid this trap. And, it is easy to overwork yourself in this situation. Hopefully, this article has given you some good tips to follow to become a productive and valuable asset while working from home.