The world of telecommuters might seem like freedom to many, but there are some ground rules that must be followed to make it a success. Being able to have a dedicated area for work is one of them, and having the luxury of a quiet space is another. Many have dreamed of being able to work from home, but those who found it distracting might not have had the space or quiet they needed for concentrating on work. Working online sounds great, but it is not the same as surfing the web while hanging out with the family in front of the television. If a separate room is not available, building one might be important.
The ability to concentrate in a chaotic situation is a good start for those who mix business and family in one building, but it can eventually break down even the most dedicated worker. Designating a room with a door that closes firmly is one good idea, and establishing working hours to avoid interruptions is another. It gives the family limits they can respect, and the worker can do their job.
The lack of commute might seem ideal, but personal space when working from home can be limited. It might be tempting to go finish a report after dinner, or getting up early to get a few quiet hours of research done might make for a less balanced life. For those suffering from this situation, learning to shut the door to the home office is a necessity.
There are many solid pluses to working from home for the company and the workers, but learning how to manage successfully is needed for the situation to be viable. Those who can apply enough discipline to work during business hours and leave it all behind when they are done for the day will be the ones who can comfortably avoid the commute to spend quality time with their family. Closing the door on a room might make it easier, and it could help balance out the need to commute to work. If there is no room or door, remodeling and building one could be the best solution possible.