Telecommuting: 5 tips for a productive day

High speed internet, smart phones, increasing gas prices, and our 24/7 society has lead to a gain in popularity in telecommuting over the last few years.   Employees can now do everything at home that used to be required to be done in the office and some corporations have implemented an official telecommuting policy.

Telecommuting is a huge benefit to many people.  Here are five tips to ensure you have a productive day.

1. It's a work day.  If you haven't done a lot of telecommuting before, it can be very tempting to catch up on daytime tv, housework, or run errants while you should be working.  While it is perfectly acceptable to throw in a load of laundry, resist the urge to begin spring cleaning.    
2. Settling in.  Ensure you have a good place to setup shop.  It can be in a home office, at the kitchen table, or on your couch.  Just make sure you have an environment that is conducive to work.
3. Take a break.  Working from home can often be a constant barrage of emails and conference calls.  Ensure you leave time for a break for lunch, a walk, or squeeze in a workout. 
4. Staying connected.  When you aren't in the office, it is even more important that you remain in contact with those whom you work closely.  Don't be afraid to pick up the phone to clarify a question.  It's easy to hide behind email, but make an effort and remain engaged where it makes sense.
5. Don't ruin it for the rest of us.  Your company and your boss is entrusting you to be productive and almost have higher expectations of you to get more work done than if you were in the office.  Don't take advantage.

Cheryl Reynolds

College Girl to Working Girl

@CGirl2WGirl