OVeR THE LAST few years, many organisations have started allowing their staff members to work out of homes. The recent advances in technology, like the web, email, Intranets, modems; cheaper fax machines and voice mail has made it more convenient to operate out of homes. Some people now rarely go into the main office.

Working from home is a mixed blessing, though. There are benefits that any worker would love. But there is a negative side too.

So if you are facing a decision on whether or not to take a job with a 10-second commute then take a look at a few pros and cons of working from home.

The sunny side

nYou are your own master.

nThere are no commuting hassles.

nThere is no dress code.

nNo one looks over your shoulder.

nYou can write off a small portion of your home office expenses on your taxes.

nYour employer usually compensates you for incidental expenses.

nIf you are married or have small children at home, this could be especially convenient. You save on the cr?che expenses.

The downside

nIt takes a phenomenal amount of self- discipline to start working when you know you don’t have to be at the office by 8 a.m.

nYou are the only person around all day, so there is no outside pressure to be busy.

nYou have to be self-motivated.

nYou miss out on the camaraderie that stems from working with others day after day.

nThere are no co-workers to go to lunch with. You just have yourself or your noisy kids for company!

nYou can never escape the office and go home, because you are already there.

nWorking from home can be messy and can take up an entire spare room in your home.

nYou don’t interact with your co-workers face to face so it is more difficult to find out about new projects you could get interested in.

nThe boss can’t see that you are working hard or putting in extra hours, so you are judged more on the numbers than your work ethic and other such intangible factors.

nThere is a danger of putting in too many hours or overworking. As improbable as this might sound, imagine that it’s 11 p.m. and you suddenly have a panic attack about work. It’s all too easy to go into your home office and work until 1 a.m. You never have that proverbial relaxation time.

Tips for working at home

Working out of your home can be a great solution. I have worked in an office and in my own study, and I think it takes special discipline to work at home. You need to ask yourself, “Does this work style fit in with what I want and how and where am I most effective?”

And if you do work out of your home, then these are important things to remember:

nMaintain a presence at the main office. Report in often and let your boss know that you are alive and productive.

nTreat your study (or wherever you work) like a real office. Close the door at 6 p.m. and don’t open it until you are beginning work the next morning.

nGet dressed as you would for work and be consistent with your job hours.

nAct like you are in office and not at home, and you stand a good chance of actually being productive!

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