Working From Home
Here I find myself working from home when it is working with the public that I thrive on. Don’t get me wrong…working in my jammies definitely has it’s perks but the lack of conversation is driving this peacock a bit crazy. So I did what all librarians do and began some research…
There are many benefits I’ve found to working at home:
- working in jammies
- no alarm clocks
- having my dogs and son around
- a stocked refrigerator
- fewer interruptions (my teenager is still sleeping)
- no rush hour commute
- flexible hours
You get the idea.
There are also many drawbacks I have found to working from home:
- having my son and dogs around
- difficulty focusing
- a stocked refrigerator
- lack of conversation
- email and Facebook
- household chores
Again, you get the idea.
My research (using Gale General OneFile) showed me I am not alone. Many people who work from home regularly and temporarily share my frustrations (and perks). I found articles and some great tips to make my time “on the clock” more productive:
- keep a schedule
- set aside a designated work space
- schedule breaks
- get out of the house (but stay 6 feet from others)
- set ground rules with others in the house
- stay connected with coworkers (email, text, Facebook, calls)
- get dressed
I am hoping these and the many more ideas I’ve gleaned from articles will help my productivity and I hope they help yours. Remember, we are all in this together so cut yourself some slack and support one another. Check in, say hi, and get some work done.
Now…time to take the dogs out.
Lisa Akenhead – Northland Public Library
