As companies attempt to give their employees more flexibility at work, more employees than ever before are working from home. A recent survey put the number of at-home workers at about 10 percent of the workforce.

The idea of working at home sounds inviting – no long commute, no boss looking over your shoulder, no interruptions from coworkers. But working at home has its own kind of pitfalls that you need to watch out for. Here are a few tips for maintaining your productivity while working at home.

1. Stick to a schedule.
Set a work schedule for yourself and hold to it. If you don’t set a schedule, you are likely to get caught up with other distractions – doing things around the house just to avoid work. What happens then is that you end up working in the evening to make up for the time you wasted during the day, throwing your routine completely out of whack.

By sticking to a schedule, you also make sure you have a set time when you stop working. This way you keep your work and personal life separate and maintain a good work-life balance. Without sticking to the schedule, it is all too easy for your work to expand and bleed over into your personal time.

2. Prevent interruptions.
Talk to other family members who may be at home when you are working about your need to be left alone. Explaining the situation to them will prevent hurt feelings.
You may even want to keep pets out of your makeshift office.

3. Keep your work area neat.
This is a good rule to follow whether you are at the office or working at home. You may think that a messy desk shows that you are working hard. The truth is, that messy desk is actually hindering your productivity. Studies have shown that messy work areas have a negative effect not only on productivity but on your mood as well.

4. Remember to take regular breaks.
Studies have shown that our mental energy begins to ebb after about an hour of steady work. So you should step away from your desk at least every hour for a few minutes. Take an occasional walk, which will get your blood flowing and get more oxygen to your brain to help your think better.

If you are looking for work in the New York City area, Winston Resources can help you find a position that best matches your background and skills. We have the expertise, experience and network to find the right job for you. Give Winston a call today.