No matter the naysayers, it’s a fact that home workers are on the rise. Thanks to a slew of new wonders from the internet, Wi-Fi, laptops, smartphones, and cloud computing technologies, everyone can work from home! But for all you cyberloafers out there still wondering how to properly get your job done at home, we’ve got some expert pointers on how to maintain your productivity while avoiding five common pitfalls that often lead to disaster:
1) You don’t have a work location
Home offices need dedicated rooms with good lighting and ventilation. Spend time doing market research to find a home office that works best for you. It should have lighting, ventilation, and an electrical outlet either near your desk or along the cord. You will also need to invest in good office equipment such as a laptop, filing system, a desk and printer. These need not cost the earth as many outlets offer a range of cheap office printers, desks of all kinds and stationery products.
2) No dedicated work hours
When you are working from home, it is important to set a schedule for yourself and stick to it! Having a start and end time can help keep you motivated and focused on work. However, it is all too easy to work longer hours, which ends up eating into your family and leisure time, so it is vital that you also sent a time for you to stop working.
3) No routine activity
Our work life is affected by our mood and energy level. If you want to be productive, it is important to have a routine that you stick to every day. Prioritise your tasks based on their importance instead of doing them simultaneously or according to deadlines.
4) No quiet time
Even the most passionate workers need some downtime. The occasional break is needed because of the extensive amount of time spent sitting and working on a computer. Breaks are one of the keys to productivity. Without them, you will lose your drive, creativity and motivation. A short break every hour or so will help recharge your brain, which will help you prevent burnout and boredom in the office.
5) You don’t have a good working environment
In addition to the physical surroundings being conducive to work, there should be minimal distractions from the people around you. This may mean spending extra money to find an office that is away from those who are likely to either cause or be affected by disruptions such as kids, pets and spouses. Having an office that is separate from the family room also encourages a more professional atmosphere and allows for greater privacy when on phone calls or other business matters.
Working from home is more popular than ever, but it isn’t always what people expect. Many people find themselves getting behind on deadlines and losing track of important tasks. The good news is that there are many things you can do to help you avoid these pitfalls. So, go out and get your job done as a homeworker!
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