Blog

How to Work From Home

Growing numbers of people are choosing to work from home, whether via  flexible work arrangements or in self-employment. While working from home has  obvious benefits, it can sometimes be a challenge to stay focused. Separating  work spaces from your home space is a crucial first step.

Separating Your Work Space

  A clearly defined work space, preferably a self-contained home office,  is essential to working effectively when you’re surrounded by potential  distractions. Set up a dedicated home office with appropriate furniture.  Include a good sized desk and plenty of storage and space to move around in.  You’ll feel more professional and ready for work as soon as you step into your  office. For office furniture, Sydney based providers will  have a good variety of to choose from.

Staying Connected

  Staying connected is another key facet of working from home. You should  be well set up to make video or conference calls, instant messaging, phone, and  emailing. A cordless phone helps when you need to stay connected while stepping  out of the office. Wireless, noise cancelling headsets lets you type while  you’re chatting to clients and to keep out noisy distractions around the house.

  If you’re self-employed without a receptionist, program your phone for  call forwarding to avoid missing calls. Set up your computer and equipment to  facilitate virtual conferencing. Test webcams and video conferencing software  for sound and picture quality.

Use a Daily Routine

  A good daily routine supports productivity for those working from home.  Keeping regular office hours, setting clear boundaries between work and home  life, taking regular breaks – these are part of any effective daily routine.  Set lunchbreaks to go for a drive or meet with clients over lunch, or hit the  gym during your breaks and you’ll resume the work day with higher energy  levels.

Staying Organised

  Stay organised by periodically reducing your desk clutter and reviewing  your daily diary schedule. Using a second computer monitor can improve your  productivity and help you stay organised in the absence on administrative  support staff. Use weekly as well as daily priority lists to keep track of the  most urgent tasks. Maintain strong focus on your work; don’t get distracted by anything  else unless you’re on a break.

Be Ready to Meet Clients in Person

  Have a system set up for meeting clients in person. If you regularly  meet clients in your home office, comfortable seating and office desks that  facilitate collaborative discussion can help you make a good impression. For office chairs, Sydney has some great furniture  companies to choose from.

  If you tend to meet clients back in the office or off site, save time  by having a well-planned routine for setting off early to meeting places, or  for packing and getting to the airport. It’s useful to have a local café or a  virtual office account to accommodate meeting clients off site.

Setting Boundaries

  Setting effective boundaries is probably the most important key to  working from home. If you have children who get home well before the work day  is over, let them know that you’d prefer not to be disturbed. If you proceed on  the basis that you’re at work, then everything will follow naturally.