Even today, telecommuting carries a stigma. It comes down to two things: trust and discipline. Supervisors oppose remote work because they don’t trust people to stay productive out of sight. If your company filters internet access, they probably don’t allow remote work either. Until management measures results instead of appearances, that won’t change.
I once knew a colleague who worked from home in the afternoons to meet their kids after school. Their phone-based job made this feasible. Then an executive found out and demanded it end. Ironically, the clients never even noticed. The problem was perception.
For the employee, telecommuting succeeds through self-discipline. You must focus, ignore distractions, and be engaged. Working remotely offers perks: no dress code, no surprise meetings, no commute. You reclaim hours of your day, save on gas, and shed a lot of stress.
To make it work, turn off email notifications and check messages only a few times a day. Take advantage of flexible breaks: exercise when you feel like it, walk your dog, or just step outside for fresh air. Light chores, like laundry or slow cooking, can run in the background, but keep the TV off. Music, on the other hand, can be a pleasant companion if it doesn’t distract you.
But beware of isolation; humans need connection. Work occasionally from a coffee shop or shared space to recharge socially. Remote work doesn’t have to mean staying home. With a laptop and connectivity, you can work from a park or garden. Just stay focussed. Also, know when to stop. Without the rhythm of the office, it’s easy to get carried away. Spend one day a week at the office to collaborate face-to-face. Go hybrid!
Karl
Your Productivity Guru
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