HOME WORKERS

The Do's And Don'ts Of Working From Home

At last, you've realized your dream. You no longer have to take part in the morning and evening commute. You don't have to get involved anymore in petty office politics and you are free to do as you please - you're working from home.

Mostly, it's common sense but all too often what seems like common sense is only viewed with the benefit of hindsight.

Firstly, Some Dos.

Do talk it over with others who live in the house. After all, this is your and their living space and all parties need to agree that part of the family home can be used this way.

Do check it out with your insurance and mortgage companies, as there may be clauses that need amending or could even prevent your having a business in your home. It's unlikely, but check it out anyway.

Do take into account the type of business you're running. If you're providing a service or information, space for a desk is all you really need, but if you're selling products, where are you going to store them? A garage and a spare bedroom full of cartons might not be appreciated.

Do be disciplined. When you no longer go out to work, that fact that you still need to work can get lost. See your day as still a working day. Decide how many hours you want or need to work and then stick to them. There has to be flexibility in this. Otherwise, a major advantage to working from home is wasted, but some sort of regular work pattern is best.

People working from home who need to feel that they're in work mode to operate and who dress as if they're going to the office - not necessarily the suit, collar and tie but in a dressed down, smart casual way. Sitting in front of the computer or on the phone in pajamas just doesn't work for them. If it works for you then that's a bonus and a saving on your clothing bills.

Now, Some Don'ts.

Don't be distracted. When you're employed, you work according to your contract. You arrive and leave at certain times and you do the work that's expected of you in that time. Working from home has many potential temptations and distractions to undermine that ethic. There's something you want to watch on the TV, it would be a great day to take the dog to the park, the CD/DVD collections needs cataloguing, the lawn needs cutting - the list is endless.

Don't publish your home telephone number. This is very relevant if you're promoting a web site which shows your number. The web is global, even if you're only operating within your own area or country. I speak from experience as I've been woken in the early hours by people calling from the other side of the world and answering business calls when you're still half asleep isn't a good idea! Get a dedicated business line and an answering service or voicemail.

Don't become too isolated. It's important to remember that you were, most likely, part of a community when you went to work. You had colleagues with whom you discussed last night's tv, and who shared a common goal with you in that you worked together with the same aim. When you work from home, that goes. You can still have contact over the telephone or via email but unless you have a home that's the neighborhood drop-in coffee shop, you will not be meeting many people. Understand this and make time and space for human contact.

Working from home is a bonus. Make the most of it but be aware of the potential hazards.