Nick James

One of the benefits of working from home is the flexibility and freedom it offers. You can take the kids to school, avoid commuting, work hours that suit you, cook the family's tea....

But at the same time it's all to easy to become complacent - spending the extra hour in bed, watching the TV when you really should be working, allowing yourself to be distracted by the children, pets or household chores, putting off work because you know that you can 'finish it later', even forgetting to pay attention to your appearance.

If you want to work effectively you must be disciplined. Aim to get up and start work at a particular time each day. Set fixed time limits on household chores, reduce distractions as much as possible by working in a separate room to the TV/pets/kids, and dress smartly for work. Even if you are working from home - being dressed for work will put you in the right frame of mind to undertake your work related tasks. You'll also find yourself working to a higher standard, and achieving tasks in less time.

As a result you will have more time for your family because you won't be continually finishing off tasks you were meant to have completed earlier during the day. You'll feel more relaxed too.

Don't do this.. And you'll find yourself reading and replying to your emails and answering the phone whilst still wearing your bathrobe.... and the next time you look at your clock it will be almost noon.

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