The idea of working from home appeals to most of us. However, those who do it say it is not as straightforward as all those stuck in commuting hell believe.
Done properly it can benefit employee and employer. Done badly it can be a career disaster.
Here are some guidelines on how to successfully work from home.
Get into the zone
Have a designated work area. Somewhere where you “go to work” it can be a spare room or a converted garden shed but establish a workspace. Draw boundaries with the rest of the family. When you are at your workstation you are working. Don’t expect to get anything done by settling down with your laptop at the kitchen table.
Lay the ground rule.
Meet with your boss to make sure you are both on the same page. Outline expectations. How often should you check in with your manager? How will you be involved in daily decision making if you are physically present? Do you need to work traditional work hours or is it just important the work gets done?
Prove it
Sad but true, a lot of your colleagues will think you are sitting at home with your feet up watching day time telly. Prove you are not. Don’t be annoying and send out copies of every email but maintain a presence… from instant messaging, to email, to voice mail messages.
Maintain it
Maintain the quality and the quantity of your work. Don’t slack off.
Reassess
Get feedback from your manager. Are they happy with the set up? Are you easy to contact? Are they pleased with your productivity? Are they any difficulties caused by you not being in the office? This has to work for the business as well as you so be prepared to tweak the arrangement until everybody is happy.
Turn off
Shut down at the end of the day. Turn off the computer, turn off the phone, leave your work space and “commute” home. Decide a time to end to your work day and stick to it.
Marie Reilly
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