1. Separate work from home by creating a defined workspace, with whatever equipment or materials you require set up properly and to hand easily. Preferably this will be a separate room. That way, when you enter the space you change your mindset from being at home to work.
2. Create a structured routine as if you were going into the office. In other words, get up early, have breakfast and get dressed – don’t lounge around in pyjamas or switch on the television. It’s not conducive to putting yourself in a work frame of mind.
3. Make sure your workstation is ergonomically friendly. Use a good table and chair and observe the usual rules of posture and positioning when using a computer. Don’t be tempted to work on the laptop in bed or on the sofa.
4. Be prepared for IT hiccups. Have the number for your IT support department to hand in the event of technology failure so you can try and get problems sorted swiftly. Remember to save and back up all your work regularly. Memory sticks are invaluable if you are routinely working from home.
5. Close the door to your work office. This will signal to others at home (children, spouses) that you are not available and should not be disturbed.
6. Know when to stop: make sure you set limits for the amount of time you will work. It’s very tempting to work silly hours or late into the night and lose all sight of work-life balance.
7. Don’t be sucked into doing chores around the house, checking personal emails or other distractions. The day will be gone before you have even started it.
