Drew Belle Elsey (drew@getroionline.com) While telecommuting offers professionals an array of benefits and luxuries, it also presents several challenges. Overcome the hurdles of working from home with these 10 insider tips.

1. WORKING
HOME
ALONE?
kick telecommuting butt
with these 10 INSIDER TIPS

2. If you have the luxury of working from home part-time or
even full-time, you know that while it offers many benefits,
it does present a few drawbacks as well.
THESE 10 TIPS FROM REAL TELECOMMUTERS WILL HELP
YOU STAY focused, motivated AND productive.

3. 1. DEVELOP A
MORNING
RITUAL
It’s challenging to differentiate working
in an office and working at home.
Creating a morning ritual will make it feel
like an actual work day. While you don’t
need to put on a suit and tie or a full
face of makeup, we recommend at least
some basic grooming habits.

4. 2. MAKE
GOALS
It’s easy to get distracted
working from home. Make a list
of tasks you want to complete
before making a snack or
reading theSkimm. This will
keep you productive.

5. 3. COMMUNICATE
LIKE A BOSS
When you work at home, you can’t just
run into the next room to ask your co-
workers questions. Communicate clearly
and frequently to avoid missed deadlines
and meetings.

6. 4. SPEAK UP
When you aren’t physically present, it’s
easy to get overlooked or forgotten.
Speak up and join the conversation.
Remember, you’re still part of the team.

7. 5. CREATE A
DEDICATED
OFFICE SPACE
Your bed is not a makeshift office chair.
Make an actual office area in a guest
room or empty corner. Show off your
personality and make it a space that
inspires creativity and productivity.

8. 6. TAKE A BREAK
Working remotely doesn’t mean you have to
work 9-5 with no break. You ARE working
after all, and you deserve breaks, just like
everyone else! Go for a stroll, read a book or
catch up on your favorite TV show when
your colleagues are at lunch.

9. 7. SWITCH UP
THE ENVIRONMENT
One of greatest perks of working remotely is you can
work anywhere! Avoid cabin fever by working at a
coffee shop or park for a change of scenery and
human interaction.

10. 8. ENSURE QUALITY
COMMUNICATION
As a remote worker, most of your meetings will
take place via conference call or video call. Get
noise-canceling headphones or a quality speaker
that reduces echoes and feedback.

11. 9. NETWORK
Working remotely means you miss
out on professional and personal
interactions. Network with like-
minded folks by joining professional
groups and hobbyist clubs.

12. 10. STAY
ON COURSE
Distractions at home and the
lack of cooler talk can veer you
off course. Stop procrastination
dead in its tracks by setting and
meeting deadlines, and reading
and responding to emails in a
timely manner.

13. What advice do you have for working from
home? We’d love to hear your own personal tips!
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