How to Work in a Home Office

Ever dreamed of working from home? More and more positions allow for telecommuting or working from home. While it can be nice to work in comfy clothes and not deal with co-worker’s interruptions and office politics, it also has its challenges. Here are some tips for a productive and successful home office environment.

Difficulty: Moderately Challenging

Instructions

1. Set a schedule that includes a definite start and end time. That load of laundry or last few dirty dishes can be distracting, so set a schedule and stick to it so you don't get sidetracked.

2. Get out of those pajamas. It may be tempting to roll out of bed and cruise into the office in PJ pants, but you will feel better and be more productive when fully dressed, clean and ready for the day.

3. Schedule lunches and breaks. It's easy to get caught up and work straight though the day, so even though you need to stick to a schedule, you still need to take a breather now and then.

4. Do make plans to get out of the house occasionally. Schedule lunch dates with friends and meetings with colleagues to boost creativity and stimulate your mind with things other than work projects.

5. Walk away at the end of the day. In a home office, it’s easy to work even more hours than in a regular office. When the work is done, shut the door to your office and leave it alone. It will still be there tomorrow.