op Tips
1. Plan, plan, plan.
As with everything, planning the way you work in your home office will allow you to pro-actively keep productivity high. When little Johnnie is off for a school "in-service" day, you'll just revert to your back up plan instead of panicking that work flow will stop.
2. Be Flexible
So you're thinking "Wait a minute - didn't you just say plan?" Yes, and if you've ever heard the term "plan your spontaneity" you know that I mean you can plan pockets of time in your work schedule to allow you to change gears when necessary. When the printer stops working in the middle of printing out the documents for that ever important presentation you are preparing to go deliver (and it will happen) you've already found the office supply store that will print your documents quickly.
3. Communicate your Expectations With Your Family
Remember that when you worked with your former co-workers it was necessary to communicate on a regular basis. In retrospect, you may have even complained that you had too many meetings. However, the purpose of those meetings was to communicate expectations, projects and anything that affected productivity. It's important to do the same with your family. Talk to them about how great it will be for you to work at home and how flexible you'll be to go on school trips or stay home when they're sick. Explain to your family that you will still have to be uninterrupted when you're working. You might even establish an unspoken code that you can use when you're on a phone call with a client, for instance. Establishing boundaries is a wise way to keep everyone happy.
4. Post Your Work Schedule and Be Committed To It
Posting your schedule will not only make it possible for your family to know when you are working but can help keep you committed to your work schedule. The temptation will come to spend "work time" with your family just because you can or when it's gorgeous outside but having something in concrete for everyone to see will help keep you on schedule and will also add accountability. If your spouse knows what you're trying to accomplish, he/she can help you stick with it. Posting your schedule will also enable your older children (who may use the computer for school work) to plan the time to use the computer around their deadlines.
5. Be Consistent
You must be consistent when working from your home office. This is key to keeping your home running smoothly in conjunction with your home office. As you transition from working in a traditional office to working in a home office - you'll find many differences that can be remedied with a commitment to consistency.
6. Create a Comfortable and Separate Environment
Creating a comfortable work environment is very important for high productivity. It will ensure that you want to "come to work". Working from home is a privilege that many people aren't afforded - however it's important to set yourself up to succeed. By creating a comfortable and workable office environment, you'll ensure that you'll want to work when there is no boss checking in on you. Creating a set up that has clear office/home separation will also make it easier for the rest of the family to claim computer time. If you share the computer and office space with the rest of the family for home and school use, it will become necessary to communicate which office supplies can be used by family members. Not only will this eliminate the chance that you run out of supplies needed for the office, but at tax time - you will have a more concise count of what you used for your home office that you can claim as a deduction.
7. Get Ready For Summer and Vacation Time
Summer time and vacation time create unique situations for the home office. In order to ensure that you are productive, making money, and keeping the kids happy during those long summer days, you'll need to create fun activities for everyone. Get creative because keeping the kids occupied will keep you on task. With creativity, your family will look forward to the summer and you'll make money too.
Get creative and happy working.......
For more resources on keeping productivity high while balancing your home office and family, visit the following links.
Home Office Kit for the Kids
http://www.amazon.com/Home-Office-Parent-Raising-Profits/dp/1932279687
