Depending on your specific duties, and the type of tasks you'll be performing from home, the tools you'll need will vary. Here are some basic guidelines to get you started. Do you have all the tools you'll need?
Internet Connection
Obviously, the first thing you need is a connection to the internet. A High-Speed connection is practically essential. If you're going to be doing work from home, your company has to know that your time won't be wasted by slow data transfer.
Check with your local DSL or Cable providers. Oftentimes, high-speed internet can be bundled with cable service or telephone service, and won't cost you much more per month than without it. You may also be eligible to write off the cost on your taxes. Check with your company or your accountant to find out more.
Data Sharing
One of the biggest drawbacks to telworking is the difficulty in accessing important data on your work computer from your home. This problem has been solved by software like GoToMyPC. With this program, and others like it, you can access your work data directly from your home desktop. Your work computer becomes almost like another drive on your home computer, allowing you access to everything, not just the files you remembered to save to your flash drive the day before.
GoToMyPC offers a free 30-day trial. You can test out the features, and see if it works for you.
Your Workspace
A proper workspace is the key to being productive from your home. When your company allows you to work from home, they need to be assured that you won't be working from a clunky old computer setup on your kitchen table. In fact, they'll probably ask you to descrive your work area in detail, right down to the type of chair you're using.
This isn't just to give you a hard time. If you don't have the right setup, you can't be a productive worker. What type of computer do you have? Is it better or worse than the one in your office? Do you have all the same software? Are there any tasks you will not be able to perform from home? You may need to upgrade your home computer before teleworking.
Your workspace should have a large desk, and enough space for you to lay out any neccessary materials and still work comfortably. Have pens, tape, a stapler and any other office accessories at hand. This will make you more productive and make your day much easier.
Distractions
It's easy to get distracted while working from home, especially by phone calls. Talking on the phone, even for just a minute, can make you lose your train of thought, and set you back. Telemarketers love to call during the day, and if you allow them to bother you, your productivity will decline.
If possible, have a separate phone line that you use only for business calls. No matter what, ignore the home phone if it rings. If you must, check the answering machine every 2 or 3 hours to make sure you haven't missed important calls. At least this way, you can plan your breaks, and not experience unscheduled (and unwanted) interruptions.
Make sure your friends and family know and understand that you are working when you are at home. You're not taking a day off, and you don't have time for distractions any more than you would if you were in the office.
In Closing.....
Teleworking can be a fun and rewarding experience. Make sure you have all the right tools, so you can be prepared for the unique challenges that come along with it.
