by Doreen Martel

Created on: December 31, 2009   Last Updated: January 29, 2012

For those who work at home, there are hundreds of little things that can cause you to become distracted.  Unfortunately unlike your counterparts who work in an office, these distractions are not as easy to ignore. There are some ways that you can control distractions when you work at home. It does take some discipline but you can try some of these steps.

The drop-in neighbor

Regardless of how many times you tell people that you work at home, they never seem to grasp the impact that dropping in on you has on your work day.  For these types of situations you have two options. You can be diplomatic and take a break, grab a coffee and chat a bit.  During your chat explain politely (but firmly) that you are being interrupted during your work day. Explain your schedule as tactfully as possible and advise them that you would appreciate them not just dropping in without a call ahead of time in the future.  This may help control distractions from neighbors when you work at home.

Family and friends

It is amazing - while your friends and family applaud your efforts to work at home, they somehow feel it is appropriate to interrupt you all the time.  If you work a regular schedule while you are at home, you may want to consider closing the door to your work area (and if you don't have one get one!) and put a sign up on the door that clearly states your working hours.  Family members who are at home while you are working should understand your schedule and should learn to respect your work time. 

For those who have children who are in school, you may find that when they come home from school they are anxious to see you.  This distraction can easily be controlled.   When you work at home, you can decide when you take your breaks. Consider scheduling your break for when your children arrive home from school.  If you can arrange it properly you can spend an hour with them when they arrive home and you can then get back to work.

Telephone

If you have just started to work at home you may have been unaware of how many telephone calls came in during the day.  Set up an answering machine or voice mail and shut the ringer on your telephone off.  If you have clients you are expecting to call you provide them with an alternate number.  You can purchase a Skype phone number for a very small amount of money that would allow your clients to reach you. For emergencies, you can provide schools and family members with your cell phone.

It is very easy to get derailed from completing your tasks for a day if you are distracted. Use these tips to help control distractions when you work at home.  Have a set schedule and make sure people know what is acceptable and not acceptable. Learning how to control distractions when you work at home can help you reach new levels of success.

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