How to Stay Focused When You have a Telecommuter Job

Telecommuting allows workers the flexibility of working at home. Employees no longer have to worry about the commute to work with technology bringing virtual networks, conference calling, video conferencing, and voice over IP (VOIP). Many employers require employees to have high-speed internet, that links them to a virtual private network (VPN) and will offer a stipend to pay for these services. The problem with being a telecommuter is that some people will focus on things that need to be done around the home effecting productivity. There are habits that stay-at-home workers can do to prevent falling into a rut while performing their work at home.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

1. Wake up in plenty of time to drink your coffee and allow yourself to wake up to start your day as if you have to go into the office.

2. Eat your breakfast before you start your day.

3. Dress, fix your hair and take care of personal hygiene just as you would if you were leaving the house and going to work. Many telecommuters fall into the habit of rolling out of bed 10 minutes before start time and then waste the first hour waking up. Telecommuters should be dressed, ready for work at the normal start time. This will not only make you more productive but make you feel better too.

4. Keep your TV off when working at home. Don't fall into the habit of walking into the TV room. The behavior encourages sitting down, getting caught up in a TV program.

5. Spend the first 30 minutes of your day by focusing on what you need to do for the day, write your schedule and stick to it. Fill in your calendar, schedule any calls you need to make, any reports that are due and any other tasks that need to be done first thing. At the end of your day, do the same thing.

6. Make sure you have a home office area designated for telecommuting and performing your job. Do not drag your laptop to other areas of the house that are generally used for socializing.

7. Let family members know that they should respect your work at home job just as if you were not there. Household members should not disrupt you or walk into your office while working. It will distract you and take time to refocus.

8. Make sure you don't have dogs or cats around while on phone calls. Dogs barking or cat meowing in the background sounds unprofessional and would not happen at work.

9. Take your lunch break, and several small breaks throughout the day. Stand up and stretch or take a short walk. At the end of the day, leave your work just as you would if you working from the office. If you tend to stay at your desk just because you are home, it can lead to burnout even with a telecommuter job.

Resources

• Telework.Gov
• Telecommuting

[ourlastchance]

on 9/11/2009 Good tips. To really appreciate and be a productive telecommuter you must treat it as though you are really at work because your are in fact at work. Great article!

[pennynickols]

on 9/4/2009 Thanks Priscilla for writing, "How to Stay Focused When You have a Telecommuter Job." I've worked from home for the past five months and your tips for working from home are right on target!