Maybe corporations have seen the statistics: workers who telecommute are healthier and more productive than their peers in traditional office settings, and they’re more inclined to stay with their current employer, according to a Computer Technology Industry Association poll.
Still, it’s a big change to go from a cubicle in a high-rise to a corner of your home. Follow these tips to make a smooth transition and cash in your ticket out of the rat race.
1. Dedicate a workspace. Preferably a whole room with a door that can be closed when your family is home, it can be as small as a desk with nothing but job-related paraphernalia. The trick is to make a clear distinction between work and other household activities.
2. Make your time savings meaningful. Remember the commute you used to have twice a day? Use the time gained to get yourself in shape. Walk, bike, swim – it’ll help you decompress.
3. Save the P.J.s for bed. It’s tempting to skip shaving and lounge around with your laptop and a bagel, but it’s important to act professional, even if you’re by yourself. Dressing for work, even if you’re just pulling on a clean pair of jeans, helps you feel like you’re on the job and ready to perform.
4. Work diligently. Establish a trust relationship with your supervisor and your company, so they can be confident that even if they can’t SEE you working, they know that you ARE working.
5. Take five. Minutes, that is. Every hour, get up and stretch, walk around, get a snack or otherwise get your mind off of work. Everyone needs a little break.
6. The professional is IN. And the family has to stay out. Your kids and your spouse need to respect your space and understand that a shut door means business. Literally.
7. Plan your day. One way to keep on track is to pick your three most important tasks for the day and make sure they get done, regardless. You can also make a list of everything that needs to get accomplished and then number items in order of importance.
8. Communicate with your boss. You don’t want your boss to forget you when it comes to plum projects or a promotion. Check in with her often by phone or email with updates and accomplishments. Your boss may prefer that you alert him or her to when you start working and when you’re wrapping up for the day.
9. Attend meetings. It can be out of the way, but they’re also where decisions are made, information shared and even battles waged. The face time makes a good impression on the boss. Hint: dress for success.
10. Be available. Make sure that all of your coworkers have your phone number, email, IM and fax. Then reach out to them on rotating basis to touch base. Remember who just got back from Florida and who’s going to have a baby – keep notes and build relationships.
11. Keep consistent hours. If your biorhythms have you working from 5 a.m. to 1 p.m., so be it. As long as you’re good with your boss and coworkers, keep the schedule that fits your needs. But don’t start stretching it out until 3 or 4. Know when to end the work day.
12. Avoid procrastinating. The dog needs a walk, you need to practice your putting, there’s a special on TV: you’re going to have a lot of distractions. Put on your blinders and get to work on time. Period.
13. Be ritualistic. It will help you get in the swing of things if you wake up at the same time each day and follow a pattern of showering, getting dressed, making coffee, eating breakfast and going to work.
14. Eliminate fluff. Sure, there are 80 things you could be working on. Take an honest look at your workload and see where you can delegate work someone else could perform, or eliminate unnecessary or unproductive tasks.
15. Enjoy yourself. Visit a cybercafé and continue working while you enjoy being around other people. Reward a good week’s work with a trip to your favorite restaurant. You’re doing a great job!
