Working from home can be rewarding, but it can also be challenging. People who are new to working from home are often surprised at the transition and are often unprepared to deal with common issues. By understanding the most common issues that at-home workers face, you will be better equipped to handle them.
Access to Technology
One of the biggest transitions you will make when you start working from home is adjusting to new technology. Many workers find that they work best when they outfit their home office with the same technology that they had while working in their former office. Set up your new home office with an up to date computer, Konica Minolta printer and related accessories. You may also want to invest in a scanner, copier and fax to make work simpler.
Distraction-Free Environment
Many people who are new to working from home are surprised at the number of distractions that often accompany telecommuting. Children and pets, television and household chores may all command your attention and make it difficult to complete your work. Friends and family who don’t understand working from home may impose on you to help them with childcare, running errands and other tasks. The key to working without distraction is to create a space that is strictly for work, like an office with a door. Explain to your family and friends that you are, in fact, at work and you are not to be disturbed.
Isolation
Working from home can be isolating.If you are used to being surrounded by co-workers, chatting with your pals in the office and listening to office sounds, working from home can be lonely. There are ways that you can overcome this feeling. Some people work from cafes and coffee shops. Others work at the public library or in co-working offices with other at-home workers. The key is to get out and talk to others to break up the isolation and monotony that often accompanies working from home.
Getting up and following a routine can also make it easier for you to enjoy working from home. Create a schedule and plan your day in advance. It can also help to get dressed in work clothes and eat breakfast just as you would if you were working outside of the home. This will also help you to get into “work mode” and enjoy greater efficiency in your work.
Enjoying Working from Home
When you work from home, you can enjoy the flexibility of performing work on your terms. You can also avoid stressful commutes and related expenses. While there are challenges that accompany working from home, being prepared for the transition will make it easier for you to adjust to this new work lifestyle.
