By Jerry Grohovsky
Copyright 2020. JPG & Associates, Inc.

Here are some helpful tips to make you more productive when working from home, regardless if you do so occasionally, or are planning to use home as your primary office:

  • Select an office space away from domestic distractions—ideally a room with a door and within range of WiFi, or access to wall network connection. Good lighting is also important.
  • Set up a desk, table, or similar work surface that provides ample space for your computer and your project work. Ideally it should be a dedicated, non-shared space where you can spread out your work and leave as-is overnight, and not have to pack it away every day. A comfortable swivel office chair is recommended.
  • Have on-hand a few minimum office supply essentials to support your project work, such as: lined pads of paper, pens/pencils, stapler, tape dispenser, paper clips, etc.
  • Be thinking of a way to keep your files organized (file holder, file box, or small file cabinet).
  • Have a discussion with your family members so that they respect your time and space, and learn to adapt. Discuss your rules of work, communication guidelines, and anything that might be considered a distraction.
  • Routine and discipline are important. Start the day as if you are going to the office, dressing in clothes–not pajamas. This does in fact make a difference in helping you feel in “work mode” versus “leisure mode”. Plus, you are always prepared for the unexpected, last-minute onsite, online visual, or in-person meeting request.
  • Avoid the temptation to do domestic chores during your working hours. It can quickly become habitual and distracting enough to pull you out of a work mind-set. Maintain that separation of work around the house and professional work during your core working hours, since distraction times adds up fast. Answering the door for a package delivery is one thing, but going outside to water the lawn is out of bounds. At minimum, at least wait until your lunch break to do any short, essential tasks.
  • Set specific core working hours to minimize domestic/personal distractions.
  • Take periodic breaks, as you would at the corporate office. Take a walk outside.
  • If you are going to be doing a lot of working from home for the long-run, then it is recommended that you purchase the following: 1) quality printer with above average pages-per-minute of speed. Black-and-white laser printers are now very affordable; 2) fax/copier combination, which also can be purchased at an affordable price.
  • If you have a cell phone, you don’t need a land-line connection. If you prefer a land-line connection, a separate line is recommended, especially if you use the phone or fax extensively throughout the work day.
  • Make sure professional/work colleagues are informed of your decision to work from home, and are aware of any new contact information.