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Working at home comes with lots of benefits, like wearing comfy pants all day and being your own boss.. BUT it’s important to have an effective organization plan to make it profitable.
These strategies for organizing your workday and environment will help you meet your goals:
strategies for your workday
set a start time
Punctuality counts, even when you report to yourself.
Determine a realistic time when you can be ready to get down to business each morning.
It will help train your brain that it’s time to work.
set a quit time
Hold onto your leisure and family time. You NEED that balance!
It’s just as important to establish an end to your work day.
In the long run, maintaining productivity usually means avoiding excessive overtime and eventual burnout.
take a break
Give yourself a chance to take a breather and socialize.
Stay connected by arranging lunch dates or coffee meetings.
Pause during the day for meals, exercise and/or rest.
use a calendar
Organize your tasks and meetings onto a daily calendar.
It will help you to juggle your workload and take on the most challenging jobs at the time of day when you feel most alert.
The planner I use (AND LOVE/SWEAR BY) to keep track of my time is in the Resources section at the bottom of the post.
punch a clock
There’s a good reason why many companies ask employees to punch a clock or hand in timesheets.: they help you track how your time really gets spent.
It also helps you to avoid too much overtime.
got sleep?
You might be tempted to stay up until all hours because there’s no morning commute ahead of you and it’s finally your time to relax after the rest of the family has gone to bed.
The reality?
You still need a full night’s sleep to be at your best.
make up for lost time
Pay yourself back for time you lost.
Sick days and car repairs will sometimes interfere with your plans, so be flexible.
You can always make the time up when things calm down.
Working 9 to 5.. or not
Depending on the nature of your business, you may be able to ignore the usual 9-5 protocol.
On the other hand, ensure you are still accessible to clients and colleagues during the hours when they need to reach you.
Post your hours on your website, wherever there is a contact form.
Keep it simple:
“Thank you for contacting us. Emails are answered Wednesday afternoons. Thank you for understanding.”
self-evaluate
How/what are you doing?
Keep track of everything.
Give yourself a monthly review to identify any improvements that would be helpful.
I added a link to my Quarterly Review in the Resources section. It can be used monthly.
strategies for your workspace
designate a home office area
Having a home office or at least some space devoted exclusively to business makes it easier to focus on professional activities.
Once you pick your spot, the setting itself will help remind you to focus on your job.
put your peoples on notice
Enlist the support of your whole household.
Ask your spouse and kids to minimize interruptions.
Let friends and family know the best time to contact you on workdays.
Post a reminder on your office door during conference calls or other times when you need to avoid disturbances.
Have an auto-text or email sent so people know when you will (approximately) get back to them.
limit errands & visitors
Yes, you’re home… BUT you’re working.
You may also need to tell your peoples that and reiterate it as many times as you need to.
It’s nice to be helpful and hospitable, but ensure your day remains manageable.
accountability?
Many professionals who work at home find it helpful to link up with each other.
You can schedule a daily or weekly call to discuss how things are going.
Knowing that you’ll be giving even an informal report may provide the motivation you need to keep your mind on your goals and accomplishments.
call in the pros
If you need more help getting organized, there are plenty of resources.
Some options:
- Browse online for forums geared to your situation
- Book a consultation with a professional organizer
Remember: you can wear your pajamas and still be a professional.
All you need to do it develop a work schedule and stick to it.
It’s a great way to enjoy your independence while you provide for yourself and your family.
Stock Photos:
resources
Add Your Heading Text Here
The BEST PLANNER EVER!
This has been my go-to planner for years. There is so much room to keep track of everything you need to.
- Goals
- Monthly Reflections
- 2-page Months
- Stickers!
It’s a must-have!
quarterly review journal
Journal Prompts to help you discover what’s working and what needs attention in your business.
Doing a quarterly check-in will help your business keep running smoothly.
Can be used monthly too.
