Do's and Don'ts of Working From Home

Working from home has become the norm for many people over the last 2–3 years.

While some companies can attempt to force you to go into the office, many try to leverage the idea that you can work from anywhere. This allows you to expand to new areas, locations, and potentially to live the life you want to.

I’ve talked in the past about the “purpose economy” and how people today are looking for the reasons they exist and the work they want to do. They are willing to do whatever it takes till they get to the work they believe they want to do while here on Earth.

For those who are looking to do that, here are a few do’s and don’ts of working from home:

• DO set up a designated work area, especially if you will be online a good bit, using Zoom throughout the day, etc.

• DO make sure your work area is NOT in your bedroom, or at least not showing recognizable “bedroom” areas of your private space. Position your computer and camera carefully! Find one location that you can make stable as your “office” at home.

• DO create a rhythm of working from home. Set your hours. Give yourself break times, meal times, “closing” time etc. If you don’t, work will become your life.

• Many workplaces encourage employees to come to the office a day or two each week. If you can, I encourage you to leverage that time, whether you go to the office or a coffee shop, just for a change of scenery.

• DON’T stay in the same location all the time.

• DON’T show too much of your private spaces.

• DON’T allow background noises to interfere with your online communications. Use “mute” extensively if you have to.

BEFORE YOU GO

We see our blogs as opportunities for dialogue. Please share your thoughts as comments.

Working from home is probably here to stay — so think about:

1. What can you do to create a professional visage for your home office?

2. What can you do to create a work-from-home schedule that fits with your lifestyle and family?

3. What suggestions do you have for others who work from home?

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