Top tips for working from home

You've decided to work from home. You've set aside part of the dinner table for work and you've told everyone you know. Despite having lots of work to do, it just doesn't seem to get done. You're not alone.

Many people struggle to adapt to working from home and can quickly fall behind, leaving them wondering why they chose to start working from home in the first place. The most common problem is people struggling to separate home and work life and workers can easily become distracted without realising it. 

But there are a few things which can make the transition period easier:

1. Timetable work and stick to it: Come up with a list of things that need to get done and stick to them, even if it means working slightly over your allotted work hours. Excuses like "I just nipped to pick up the dry cleaning" simply aren't acceptable when it comes to working. You'd never be allowed to do this when working in a traditional office so why should you now? Sticking to office rules while working at home is a great way to increase productivity. 

2. Stick to breaks: Schedule yourself breaks and stick to them. An extra half hour for lunch soon adds up and it's your work that ultimately suffers in the end. 

3. Have a dedicated office: It's no use having that old desk that's been stuck in the loft for years or half of your spouse's desk. You need your own desk, preferably away from the rest of the house e.g. in a separate room or a garden office. You'll find this instantly helps you to differentiate between work life and home life. 

4. Install a separate business line: Only use this line when you're working. If your home phone rings, let it. You wouldn't be able to answer it if you were working away from home anyway. If people are that desperate to get hold of you they'll leave a message or come to the house. Only return personal calls during breaks or non-working hours. 

5. Upgrade your technology: Make sure you have high speed internet and access to virtual desktops if you have to report back to a boss. This makes it's easier and quicker to exchange files and get feedback.

6. Dress smartly: Some people find dressing professionally when working from home helps them get into a working frame of mind. Keeping your pyjamas on will just make you feel sleepy and will encourage you to slouch around. 

These are just some of the simple things are clients have told us work for them. Trying them out can't hurt and they could even help to turn your struggling home business around.