Yahoo’s recent announcement effectively ending home-working arrangements has brought this flexible working style back into the spotlight.
The Guardian featured a nice summary of some good principles for those of use who regularly (or even always) work from home. I can definitely identify with the need for human contact and structure.
I liked this quote:
But should companies really turn their backs on the great revolution of flexible working that has taken place over the past two decades? Absolutely not, says the management thinker Charles Handy: “For the first time in the human experience, we have a chance to shape our work to suit the way we live instead of our lives to fit our work. We would be mad to miss the chance.”
Top of my list (and theirs) is the need for a dedicated work space in the home. For me, working in the bedroom or on the couch is a no no. I don’t want to associate those places with work. I have a desk and space to put away work-related papers at the end of the day.
Another suggestion, based on personal experience, is how helpful it can be to have an end-of-working-day ritual to signify that the workday is over and you’re now in “home life” mode. I like to get out of the building for a quick walk and the change of scenery has the same effect as a commute home.
I’d love to hear from other home-workers and their tips for making it work.
Read on for the full article.
