At first glance, the possibility of working from home seems like a win - relaxation, no stress. People who try this form of work, however, soon discover that even work from home can be challenging. You need to set it right in order to be productive for both you and your employer. American psychologist and writer Linda Wasmer Andrews, who herself works in the home office for thirty years, offers ten tips on how to achieve it.
1. Define your working hours
You do not have to work every day the same eight hours. You should, however, clearly inform your surroundings that - even if at home - you have to work for certain hours and should not be disturbed.
2. Define your workspace
Determine your home space and equipment that will be used solely for work purposes. Ideally a separate room but a corner suits well, too.
3. Hire a babysitter
Parents who want home offices to better combine their work with child care should consider a professional to look for their children. Otherwise, it is not possible to work meaningfully more than a few hours a week.
4. Follow deadlines
Consistently divide large projects into smaller, easily achievable steps with clearly defined deadlines.
5. Create to-do lists
Each day start with a list of things that you should achieve and set priorities.
6. Dress for work
Working at home in your pajamas, you will soon lose you motivation. Try to dress professionally and support your work motivation e.g. by a lunch with colleagues.
7. Meet regularly with colleagues
Social isolation is one of the strongest sources of domestic workers stress. Online communication is not enough.
8. Take breaks for housework
If you struck a mental block, relax by active work of another kind, such as cleaning.
9. Remind yourself of the benefits of working from home
When you see your neighbors as they must go to work in bad weather... When you can use an unproductive day to rest... When you must listen to your friends complaining about their demanding bosses.
10. Learn to leave work
Separate work from your private life and do not spend all days and nights in the office - even if it is at home.
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