by Sun Meilan

Created on: January 04, 2010   Last Updated: September 14, 2011

Working at home can be a blessing for some, but a thorn in the side for others. It all depends on your working style and whether you can focus properly when you are in your living quarters. If you have chosen to work at home, but struggle with your productivity, then here are some tips. 

Be comfortable...but not too comfortable

Decide on the best place to work within your home. This may be in a designated office, or you may prefer to work in your living or dining room. Ensure that you have everything you need to hand - a comfortable chair, computer, phone, pens, water - because there is nothing more distracting than having to constantly get up and move to another room. However, don't make yourself too comfortable. Working from the sofa in front of the television may seem like a good idea, but if you are likely to concentrate on the television rather than what you should be doing, you aren't going to get very much work done. 

Have a routine

One of the best parts of working at home is being able to work when you want. If you choose, you can get up at midday and work until midnight. However, decide on a routine so that you have some idea of when you are going to get up each day, when you are going to have a break and when you are going to call it quits and relax. If you have other tasks that you need to fit into your day, such as shopping and housework, then decide when to carry them out so that they don't influence your train of thought too much - you don't, for example, want to start your day with distractions, so it might be best to get up and do what you have to do before you start work. And each day before you finish work, plan your tasks for the next day, so that you get up knowing exactly what you have to do. 

Ensure everyone knows you're working

If friends and family know that you are at home, they may be tempted to call round or phone at inconvenient times. This is where the routine comes in - if they know you are going to be working between certain hours and that you will not welcome them disturbing you, then hopefully they will conform with your wishes. If they don't, then you may need to be firmer. The same goes for anyone with whom you share your home. If your children or partner come home before you are finished for the day, then ensure that they know not to disturb you, because if they do, it will cut into your free time. 

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