Tips for Working at Home
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More and more companies and organisations not only allow but also encourage telecommuting. If your organisation offers that option, you can use your laptop to be productive in the comfort of your home or another remote location. In this article, I will discuss the tools of the trade and provide tips to ensure that the familiar home environment doesn't prevent you from keeping your focus and achieving your goals.
On This Page
 | Tools of the trade |
| Tips for staying focused |
Tools of the trade
To efficiently telecommute, you'll need the following tools.
Internet access: Most teleworkers have access to the Internet at home so that they can connect to their corporate network. As a home user, you can choose from two Internet access options:
| • | DSL: DSL stands for digital subscriber line. It uses ordinary telephone lines and a special modem to provide an Internet connection that can transmit high-bandwidth information to a user's computer. A DSL line can carry both data and voice signals. The data part of the line is a dedicated connection to the Internet and does not interfere with use of the telephone. DSL is high speed and is always connected to the Internet. |
| • | Dial-up access: This may be the best option if you are on a tight budget. Dial-up access uses a modem and a telephone line to connect to the Internet. The drawbacks of using this option are that data is typically transmitted at a slow rate and it blocks the telephone line. |
Computer: Of course, you'll need a computer! You can use a desktop computer or a laptop. If you can take your laptop home from the office, you won't have to install the same programs on your desktop computer. If you do need to use a desktop computer to connect to your organisation's network remotely, you may need to install additional software to meet your company's connectivity and security requirements.
Dedicated space with some privacy: I've heard more than one frustrated telecommuter state that they have a hard time focusing when they work at home. When I ask where their desktop computer or laptop is located, they usually say it's on the dining room table. By setting up your workspace in a busy location, you almost guarantee distractions. Instead, set up a safe, healthy, and efficient workspace with easy access to your computer, a phone, reference materials, and supplies.
Communication tools: When telecommuting, make sure that your colleagues, customers, and manager can communicate with you at all times. Whether you're in the office or working remotely, make it easy for people to contact you. Here are some suggestions:
| • | Share your phone number with people you work with regularly and leave your contact information with your manager and one or two additional contacts (such as your administrative assistant or receptionist). Also, consider using call forwarding to your home or cell phone so that you receive incoming calls wherever you're working. |
| • | Consider using instant messaging (IM). Similar to a chat room, IM is a fast means of communicating with one or more people in real time over the Internet. IM also gives you a way to show and update your communication status throughout the day. For example, when you need a couple of hours of undisturbed concentration, set your status as "Busy" and let everyone know that you'll be slower than usual to reply to e-mail messages and phone calls. Download MSN Messenger now for Instant Messaging. |
Tips for staying focused
The tools of the trade don't guarantee success—you'll also need some strategies to help you stay focused.
| • | Start working at the same time. Treat telework days like regular workdays: get up, get dressed, and be "at your desk" at the usual time. |
| • | Establish a schedule. Keep work hours similar to the ones you would keep if you were working at your office. Your manager and your co-workers will appreciate knowing when you'll be available. |
| • | Limit distractions. Be careful not to replace office-based interruptions with home-based ones (such as children, neighbours, and friends). |
| • | Plan ahead. Take the appropriate work home. Some work may be better suited for the home office than other work, so be sure to plan the telework a day ahead. |
| • | Take breaks. Plan time to get up and move around. Consider going for a walk or a run during your lunch break to keep your mind fresh. |
| • | Focus on objectives. Work with your manager and colleagues to define clear goals and objectives against which your performance can be objectively measured. |
Telecommuting is not for everyone, but if your job lends itself to working remotely and you are self-disciplined and highly motivated, you can reap the rewards of working effectively at home or remotely. Using the information presented in this column, you can take advantage of the opportunity to work efficiently away from the office while remaining in touch with your colleagues and customers.
