Personal Productivity: Working From Home

Business people working from home offices used to be the exception. No more. Now they are part of the mainstream and no one looks surprised when they hear that a colleague works from home.

It is just as important — maybe more — for someone conducting business at home to be organized and productive as it is if you are in an office setting. We all know the pluses and minuses for working at home so we are going to focus on how to be more productive when you have a home office. You can be just as organized and use all of the techniques that your colleagues in the office are using to get their work done and move their projects ahead.

Here are some tips to being more organized and efficient when you work at home:

1) Establish regimens and stick to them. Some examples:

• Arrive at your desk at a specific time every day.
• Check email several times of the day — perhaps an hour in the morning and an hour in the afternoon.
• Return phone calls at a specific time such as just before lunch and in the late afternoon.

2) Write a daily to-do list and keep it in front of you at all times. Star 3-4 priorities and decide when you are going to do them. At the end of the day, it will feel good to leave your office and have accomplished what you set out to do. (Note: The to-do list can be on paper or electronic. It doesn’t matter as long as you check it often.)

3) Stay focused. If you decide that you need to work for several hours on a particular project, schedule a block of time and resolve not to become waylaid by something else. Avoid interruptions from the phone, email and the next door neighbor knocking at your door. Stick to the project at hand.

4) Bunch tasks together. You are more efficient when you answer email or make phone calls all at the same time.

5) Prepare for the next day ahead of time. Look over your calendar to see what appointmen                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                      ts you have and get your to-do list ready for tomorrow.

6) Use a timer. It is one of the best tools available to keep you on track and organized.

7) Take short breaks. Get up and move the way you would in an office. Get a drink of water. Walk around outside at lunch time or exercise during lunch.

8) Find an accountability partner so you will do what you said you would.

9) Make sure your office is set up for you to work efficiently: the right tools: computer, printer, scanner, smart phone, software, speaker phone, filing cabinets, clock, a comfortable chair and the right lighting.

The result? You will feel in control of your work day.

Still having a difficult time maintaining your productivity? We can customize systems that will increase your efficiency and effectiveness in your home office. Call us — Leslie or Barbara — at 404-303-8431 or email Info@ItsTimeToGetOrganized.com.