NAPW, The National Association Of Professional Women

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More and more employers are allowing their employees to work from home; this allows employers to save money, as well, it allows employees to have the flexibility often times they need for family matters.  Working from home isn't always an easy task, there are often times distractions that inhibit your work; that's why it's important to have a few guidelines for yourself and other's living in your home when it comes to operating a professional business from home.

One of the most important matters for operating a business from home is your space and surroundings; there actually needs to be a designated room or space for your business office.  Many people don't have extra rooms for a dedicated office; if this is the case, make a corner your office area and put up some type of dividers or screens between this space and the living space.  Surround your office area with non-distracting items; pictures of tranquil settings and inspirational quotes instead of photos of family members or more personal items.  Your office space should have adequate lighting, a good comfortable chair that is ergonomically correct, and an easy organizational pattern when it comes to access to files, copiers, phones, faxes, etc…  

If you have children or others living in your household while you're trying to work, you may want to invest in some type of soundproofing; if that's not an option- a soft "elevator" style music can drown out any exterior noise very well.  Household members need to realize this is your work and you need privacy during office hours.  If you notice young children wanting your attention, however, there is nothing wrong with taking a 10 minute break- remember, you get that by law.

Another item I've been aware of as a member of The National Association of Professional Women is to consider is phone calls from personal acquaintances; many business professionals have separate lines for home and business calls when working from home; if possible, this is best.  If not, you should be comfortable enough to explain to your friends and family your work schedule and ask them not to call you at that time.  Most work from home professionals do not have secretaries or office assistants to filter phone calls, so keep this in mind- you'll be multi-tasking and any personal calls need to wait until after office hours.

The most important part of any job is prioritizing and organization.  Regardless if you work outside the home or at your home both are important factors to have on your side.  Prioritize your time, work keeps money flowing and food on your table.  Keep regular office hours each day of the week; act as if you are "going" to work each day and when you reach your area of work- work.  Keep your area organized and free of clutter, this will keep your brain organized and allow you to work more efficiently.  Many work from home business professionals have electronic planners to help them keep organized and remember meetings, phone calls, give them reminders- this is a great idea; especially if you're working solo.  If this is not an option, there's still the faithful paper planner that can be purchased at your local office supply store.  Having lists, memos, reminders wrote on paper will ensure you don't miss important meetings or forget to call an important client.