MANAGING YOUR TIME WHEN WORKING FROM HOME

With more people now choosing to work from home, the greater flexibility for employees can be difficult to manage. Without the distractions of the regular office environment, people have a chance to think about and get things done if they manage their time correctly. Some methods to look at to create a productive environment at home are:

1. Create a dedicated workspace
You do not need a specific room for this, a practical workstation will suffice as long as it is free from clutter, has a quality chair and desk, has access to electrical sockets and WiFi and has enough storage for your documents.

2. Create a Routine
To avoid wasting time and procrastinating, set a work start time and target break times. This will help you to avoid taking a break too often and help you concentrate on the task at hand.

3. Use a timer
Having a clear plan in place every day you work from home is essential. Set an end time for individual pieces of work to ensure you are spending the right percentage of your time on each task.

4. Manage others
When family and friends know that you work from home they may feel like you are available for a visit at any time. Be assertive (but polite) and let people know you have deadlines.

​5. Change your scene
It is all too easy to become claustrophobic in an isolated home office environment. Take the opportunity to grab your laptop and use a coffee shop or hotel lobby to provide you with background noise. This can help you to achieve a deeper level of focus.