Through our search for many inspirational teachings abut work life ethnic we came across a fantastic writer called Linda Coles.
Linda Coles is the author of “Learn marketing with social media in 7 days” and is also a speaker and trainer on building relationships based in New Zealand. What gave us that "WOW" factor about this article is that the fact that nothing she's written here is impractical. These are points that women can really relate to, to ensure that we maintain the work-life balance we crave working away from home whilst being at home (if you get what we mean lol!)
“A woman’s work is never done” anon
Working from home as a woman certainly has it’s benefits, but it also has a few drawbacks which can easily make your productivity a hit or a miss depending on how you set yourself up and if you adhere to the unspoken rules.
Whether you work from your home office normally or if you find yourself working there for a temporary spell due to a change in location for instance, there are a few simple areas to watch out for to keep yourself on the straight and narrow, and not spend work time on laundry and getting dinner started!
You have the choice to dress “grunge” or “great”. Looking great will make you feel great and help keep your mind focused on your work ahead.
Adding to what Linda has said it's all to do with physiology, If you look you look good you feel good and that confidence will project through your tone when speaking to your clients and peers. However if you dress grudge because you feel as though your at home and in your comfort zone, it is easy to lose focus on the tasks ahead and you'll find you haven't achieved much for the day.
No one is saying prance around your home in six inch heels or a 4 piece suit with the matching tie and pocket square but look presentable as if it was "dress down friday" at the office.
Organise your appointments out of your office at a coffee shop or go for a walking coffee appointment with take-a-way cups and tick some exercise off at the same time.
Adding to what Linda said some fresh air always does a world of good, so holding meetings in coffee shops, restaurants are always good because its a nice neutral ground. If your meetings are some what local try walking there! Not the kind of distance that would work up a sweat. but a brisk walk will freshen your mind and allow you to go over the agenda for your meeting
Create a mastermind group with others in your local area that you can meet with monthly to bounce ideas around and brainstorm business issues.
Yes! There is no marketing tool more powerful than the word of mouth! Networking is the best way to grow your business, share ideas on what is working for you, and what's not. This way every month you have some new ideas to work with, and even create a new venture.
Have the TV on in another room for low background chatter to keep you company, but never sit and watch it unless you are having lunch.
Add a plant or flowers to your desk, which you might think sounds dumb, but I think it helps with any feeling of isolation.
Never open an email after 7pm or at the weekend. You can’t do much about the content anyway out of business hours so it’s not worth losing sleep over.
We totally agree with this point! There has to be visible lines between your work and your personal life, there should be no grey areas here because evidently one side will suffer. As Linda rightfully pointed out; there is nothing you can do about an email outside business hours, so shut down all work communication workstations and devices at 7am and enjoy your evening or weekend as the case maybe. Return to work the next day feeling fresh,and revitalised ready for the new tasks of the day.
Exercise each morning before you start. You have plenty of time to go for your run, shower, eat breakfast and still be back at your desk for 9am if you are not travelling.
If you have the feeling of overwhelm and heaps of domestic chores to do, allot time before you start your day or allow yourself to finish at 4.30pm occasionally. A cluttered and overstretched mind is not a productive one.
Don’t try and work from the kitchen table, find an area or room that you can call your own and pull the door on at night when you have finished.
And one last thing, NEVER, EVER wear your slippers!
Working from your home office may make you even more productive than being in a busy office with other distractions going on around you. I know I can’t hear myself think never mind write when I use the office in town, and so although it can be quiet in my home office, it suits my workload better.
What tips do you have working from your home office? Are you strict with yourself and domestic chores? What are your experiences?
Share them with us and we will follow them up on a sequel post
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