WORKING HOME ALONE?kick telecommuting butt with these 10 INSIDER TIPS

If you have the luxury of working from home part-time or even full-time, you know that while it offers many benefits, it does present a few drawbacks as well.

THESE 10 TIPS FROM REAL TELECOMMUTERS WILL HELP

YOU STAY focused, motivated AND productive.

1. DEVELOP A MORNING RITUALIt’s challenging to differentiate working in an office and working at home. Creating a morning ritual will make it feel like an actual work day. While you don’t need to put on a suit and tie or a full face of makeup, we recommend at least some basic grooming habits.

2. MAKE GOALSIt’s easy to get distracted working from home. Make a list of tasks you want to complete before making a snack or reading theSkimm. This will keep you productive.

3. COMMUNICATELIKE A BOSSWhen you work at home, you can’t just run into the next room to ask your co-workers questions. Communicate clearly and frequently to avoid missed deadlines and meetings.

4. SPEAK UPWhen you aren’t physically present, it’s easy to get overlooked or forgotten. Speak up and join the conversation. Remember, you’re still part of the team.

5. CREATE A DEDICATED OFFICE SPACEYour bed is not a makeshift office chair. Make an actual office area in a guest room or empty corner. Show off your personality and make it a space that inspires creativity and productivity.

6. TAKE A BREAKWorking remotely doesn’t mean you have to work 9-5 with no break. You ARE working after all, and you deserve breaks, just like everyone else! Go for a stroll, read a book or catch up on your favorite TV show when your colleagues are at lunch.

7. SWITCH UP THE ENVIRONMENTOne of greatest perks of working remotely is you can work anywhere! Avoid cabin fever by working at a coffee shop or park for a change of scenery and human interaction.

8. ENSURE QUALITY COMMUNICATIONAs a remote worker, most of your meetings will take place via conference call or video call. Get noise-canceling headphones or a quality speaker that reduces echoes and feedback.

9. NETWORKWorking remotely means you miss out on professional and personal interactions. Network with like-minded folks by joining professional groups and hobbyist clubs.

10. STAY ON COURSEDistractions at home and the lack of cooler talk can veer you off course. Stop procrastination dead in its tracks by setting and meeting deadlines, and reading and responding to emails in a timely manner.

What advice do you have for working from home? We’d love to hear your own personal tips!

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