Productivity can be very elusive when working from home. Distractions such as children, pets, and chores beckon at all times. While working at home is a benefit that many employees try to acquire and enjoy, it remains to be a job where tasks are accomplished and ethics are exercised.

The Internet created opportunities for everyone; working virtually in such fields as administration and design, among others is now possible. It has become the ‘go to’ place to search for steady employment and to create businesses, all the while staying at home. To stay productive and employed takes focus and dedication.

Some helpful tips in maintaining productivity:

• Minimize distractions by having childcare available during office hours, by saying “Can we visit another time? I have a deadline,” to visitors, and by making certain chores or errands are done later in the day.
• Much like in an office, an employee working at home will need the same supplies – coffee or tea, printer ink, pens. Having access to these prevents loss time in searching and an unscheduled visit to the store.
• Organizing space dedicated to work is an enormous help to productivity in that work and relaxation are not mixed, avoiding possible stress brought on by assignments.
• Avoid clutter in the workspace by organizing items such as finding a home for pens, paper clips, and the like.
• Consider going out to a café or library where there is ample natural light. Think about renting a co-share space, once or twice a week. A change of environment as well as possible meeting with other work-at-home professionals would be a break from life at home.
• Taking time outs is important. Because home is where work takes place, long hours may be acceptable. Breaks are conducive to creativity. It is, however, detrimental to family when work continues, non-stop.

It might take some time to adapt to new ways of working but commitment and focus on productivity goals always produce great results. Remember, “It’s important to know that words don’t move mountains. Work, exacting work moves mountains” (Danilo Dolci).

Written by Yoli P. – The Help