In the afternoons I get out and work at my favourite coffee/WiFi enabled den, where there are actual tables, chairs, and people. I find the chatter relaxing.

Bob Milliken

The traditional work week may have become a thing of the past as many organisations transition to flexible work arrangements and work-from-home positions.

I have worked from home for years and wouldn’t change a thing. However, if the cat throwing up on your computer is annoying, or your neighbour’s power tools drive you nuts, then working from home may not be for you.

Recognize for some it may be challenging to remain focused when you are surrounded by distractions. Here are a few of the things I do to make working at home productive for me;

Set your own flexible schedule

Flexibility is the ultimate perk of working from home, however having no structure means you might not get it all done. Think about your workday and make a plan so you can still accomplish everything you need to.

The thing to remember is this schedule is self-imposed so if you do need to run an errand or be at an appointment, it is open for adjustments.

Have a set workspace

Designate a particular area in your house for work and make sure you conduct your work from here. Your brain will learn it needs to be in work mode when you are in this particular area, rather than working from bed or the couch which are places associated with sleep and relaxation.

 Have the right equipment

Make sure you set up your work area with everything you need. If you don’t have something, it can be easy to get distracted and waste time hunting around for things. The right equipment should also include an ergonomically sound chair and computer arrangement so you can maintain your back and neck health.

Don’t stay at home.

Is your home office just not getting it done for you? Take telecommuting a step further and get out of the house. Coffee shops, libraries, public lounges, and similar Wi-Fi-enabled spaces can help you simulate the energy of an office so you can stay productive even when you don’t sit in an official workplace.

Takeaways

The most important thing to remember is working from home is meant to make things easier. Yes, you still need to work and meet deadlines, but your schedule can be adapted to meet your needs.

To be productive figure out what works best for you. If you work better in the morning, get up early and get your work out of the way. If you have children, work while they are at school and after they’ve gone to bed. If you enjoy a sleep in, begin work later and finish later.

Bob Milliken is a master marketer specializing in helping businesses achieve outrageous levels of success. Bob can be reached by phone at 604.270.1730 or by email at bob@rfmholdings.com