As we discussed in a previous article, there are all kinds of reasons why working from home is a good thing. Whether you work for yourself or for an employer, it is possible to make a living working at home – even if you have children.
But, before we talk about greatness, let’s chat about this. Productivity at home. This is one very real downside to working from home. Why? Because home is home. Your family and family obligations are still there, which can often times cause distractions.
But, have no fear, keep reading for a few productivity tips for moms working from home.
#1: Create a work schedule
There might be times when working is an impossibility. This could be when the children are home from school or preschool, and the house is noisier than usual. Or it could be when you just don’t feel like working at all, such as in the evening when your mind is more focussed on what might be on the television, or on the fun that you could be having with your family and friends.
Therefore, create a schedule that will accommodate your need to work.
It might be when your partner is at work, and the kids are at school. Or it might be the first thing in the morning before the stresses of the school run begin.
Think about it for yourself, and create a timetable in those windows of opportunity when you won’t be hit by many distractions.
#2: Find ways to eliminate distractions
If you are tempted to visit the kitchen on a regular basis for cups of coffee and the occasional cookie or two, have a table of light refreshments set up in your home office instead.
If you find your eyes drawn to Facebook and other websites that you aren’t using for work purposes, consider installing a website blocker and set it for those hours when you need to work productively.
And if there are people at home, or if your extended family and neighbors tend to visit you for a natter, kindly remind them of your need to work and set them some boundaries. Think about any other distractions that are personal to you and research ways to eliminate them.
#3: Outsource to others
Another thing is to consider outsourcing various tasks. You don’t have to do everything. For example, if you struggle in a particular area, give the task to someone else and use your time for something more beneficial.
Just think – that person you outsourced to may be gaining valuable skills.
Work tasks are the only thing to outsource, outsource home tasks, as well. For example, you might hire someone to get groceries, a childcare sitter to look after your children, or you could even hire a cleaner occasionally to stay on top of your household chores. By doing this, you would then have more time to focus on the work you needed to do instead of worrying about your other responsibilities.
Wouldn’t you agree?
Final Thoughts
As a mom, working from home can be done with a few boundaries and a plan put in place. So, if you have struggled to get work done productively when working from home, these suggestions might be useful to you.
What other productivity tips for moms (or anybody) working from home would you recommend?
