Tips for Working From Home

Working from home is becoming increasingly popular. With each new technological advancement, working from home becomes easier and a more convenient option. For many, working from home is a privilege. You can work where you want, how you want, and often, when you want. There is flexibility and a sense of freedom that is not possible in a formal office setting. However, that being said, there are challenges to working from home. Difficulty focusing, effective communication and productivity are just some of the issues that people face when they work from home.

Here at Taz Solutions, we are a virtual company, which means we all “work from home”. For some, that means a home office, a sitting room, or a coffee shop. Anywhere with internet access can serve as their work station. We’re experts at working from home, so here are some tips for taking on the challenges associated with a virtual office.

• Minimize distractions. This may be an obvious one, but it’s important. Distractions come in various forms, and can be deadly to your productivity! Keep your work space quiet and clean. Do not be near any non-work related technology, such as a T.V. If you live with others, set boundaries when it comes to work, and if you have children, find a daycare, a spouse or a babysitter to watch them.
• Use your time wisely. Being productive can be a challenge even for those working in an office. Have time on your side by scheduling out your days/weeks as detailed as possible. Promise yourself that you will keep to your schedule and make important deadlines.
• Work in blocks. Some of our clients are productivity experts, and we have learned that you can be most productive if you work in time blocks. It is best to work for 45-50 minutes straight, and then take a 15 minute break.
• Don’t multitask! This if my last tip, but it is certainly not least. Multitasking is a productivity killer, but it can be hard to resist! When you work from home on your own, it can be easy to switch from task to task without finishing one first. This makes it harder to be effective at one task in particular, so you lose productivity and mistakes can be made. Commit to one thing, and turn off or avoid distractions such as email or phone.