by B Borcyk

Created on: December 18, 2010   Last Updated: December 20, 2010

Working from home is an option that many Americans wish they could choose. The fact is that the majority of employees do not have the motivation to make the work-at-home arrangement a success. In fact, the lack of motivation is one of the most significant factors hindering productivity. However, many tips can help make the work-at-home experience a positive one.

The workspace is key. An at home job requires a home office of some sort. The problem is that not everybody can afford an elaborate setup in a separate room, with a gigantic executive desk, expensive computer with lots of storage space, and 100% genuine leather-bound office chair. Many at-home employees are required to do business from the couch or dining room table.

The first thing to do is claim a space, preferably away from the television. If the room is large enough to fit any kind of desk, it’s important to choose the right one. It should fit the home employee’s personality yet leave enough space for a computer, some books, and a calendar. A sturdy, ergonomically correct chair is a great way to ensure no back injuries are sustained. Pen holders and other accessories are unimportant but fun to mix and match based on the individual.

The office space should be fun but productive. Some people prefer to hang photos of their children in their workspace. Some prefer to put up wallpaper or wrapping paper around the space to decorate. Any kind of personalization works, as long as the person has the main goal in mind: work.

A major de-motivator can unfortunately be family. It can be stressful to balance the spouse, children, pets, and other distracters. It’s difficult for people who are not stay-at-home workers to fathom the idea, so they occasionally forget that just because the person is at home, this doesn’t mean the person is available for play. This is why communication is vital.

Posting a schedule can help with the family issues. For example, the schedule says, “Monday – Work 8 a.m. until 4 p.m.” Between this timeframe, the family knows this is work time, so anything outside of that time is family time. This communication, as well as follow-through, shows consistency, and everyone knows what to expect.

During the actual scheduled work timeframe, motivation is still difficult in the home. At a regular office, managers are around to ensure productivity. Deadlines are deadlines, and managers expect them to be met. In the home, it can be difficult to force oneself to accomplish anything with so many distracters. The refrigerator is close by, the laundry needs washing, and the pets need to be taken out. This can hinder progress significantly. Checklists can be a stay-at-home worker’s best friend.

A to-do checklist is easy to create. Write down individual tasks that need to be completed. Prioritize them, and then set a timeframe for all of them. Each time a task is completed, it is a good idea to take a break. Small frequent leg-stretching breaks are important throughout the day, and progress can actually be hindered without them. If a person works too long on too many projects in a row, quality suffers, and re-dos are going to be required.

Home workers should keep in mind that these opportunities are tough, and they require more motivation and willpower than many other positions. However, they cut down on travel time and transportation expenses, and they provide excellent schedule flexibility. As a bonus, it can also be an interesting career choice to discuss when someone asks, “What do you do for a living.”

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