SOUTHERN CALIFORNIA JOB MARKET: WORK AND FAMILY : A RESOURCE GUIDE TO WORK AND FAMILY : Tips for People Working at Home

Working from home poses challenges for both employees and supervisors. Here are a few tips from various experts on how to make it work:

--Talk with your supervisor about how working from home might affect your career. Will you miss out on raises or promotions? How will your work be judged? What exactly is expected of you? How often should you check in?

--Dedicate an area only to work. Don’t try to work on the dining room table unless you live alone and aren’t worried about family members moving your files. Set up an area that’s off limits to family members.

--Educate your friends, family and co-workers about what you do at home. Tell them when it’s appropriate to disturb you and when it’s not.

--Make sure your home office has the necessary equipment and information resources you need. Keep your office well-stocked. It may seem trivial, but if you run out of mailing labels and envelopes, you will waste time having to go buy them.

--Create a pattern. Most people have a pattern when they come into the office that psychologically gets them ready to work. Maybe it’s reading the paper or getting a cup of coffee or writing a list of things “to do.” Whatever it is, stick to it--and be disciplined.