Top 5 Tips for a New Teleworker

If you are new to teleworking, there are a few things that might be important for you to consider in order to be as productive as possible. These basic things might help make the transition from the traditional office to the home office go smoothly. You should also recognize the your situation could be a little different, but for most part these are good ideas that can help keep you as productive at the house as you are in the office.

1. Have a separate and specific workplace.

Creating a separate and specific workplace is critical to being an effective teleworker. It doesn't mean that you can't mix it up on occasion, but when you are getting started you need to know where everything is and be able to access it quickly. Often as a teleworker you spend a considerable amount of time on the telephone. You don't want to have to jump up and look for the phone when your manager is calling, especially if they are not as sold on the telework idea as you are. It is important that they feel like you are in a productive environment.

2. Try to avoid Distractions

This tip is both for productivity and perception. Distractions while on a skype call or the telephone can be perceived as less than professional. You want to be sure that you have a distraction free area that you can work in during the day. Of course, less distractions will also mean better productivity. Another thing to consider is that home distractions are a little different then office distractions. Some people get distracted by a messy living room or a sink full of dirty dishes. If this distracts you mentally, then be sure to have the house "picked up" before you start your work day.

3. Take a lunch break

Teleworkers sometimes feel that they have to be at their computer for the entire day in order to respond to instant messages, skype requests, and emails immediately. But to be productive at home you need to take the same short breaks that you take at the office. Get up, take a walk, and eat a healthy lunch. One of the benefits of telework is being able to go to lunch in your own kitchen.

4. Get a great telephone

This tip really depends on what type of work you do. If you are a manager or part of a sales team then you might have to spend a lot of time on the telephone. If you are a computer programmer then maybe not. If you are going to be on the phone a lot, get a nice phone with a good "hands free" or speaker phone option. Using a cheap phone will make it harder for you to hear and will require more mental power to listen. Some people like to use headsets as well, so that might be a good option for you. And as a tip within a tip, be sure to have at least one phone at your work area be plugged into a wall. Conference calls can drag on for hours and your wireless phone batteries will not last that long.

5. Check in often

It is important that as a teleworker you initiate communication back with your group throughout the day. This gives your team a feeling that you are part of the group. Hoever, be sure that you are adding value to the goals of the team and not just being annoying. After your work routine gets established this need to connect may go away, but early on you want to be sure that you are adding value and contributing and you team knows that you are easy to reach.


Now, what are some of your top tips? Post any tips you have in the comment area or link back from your blog. Thanks.