Working From Home – Is it right for you?

Sally Balwin
Recruitment | HR | Business Development

Did you know that at least 18% of Australians work in their pyjamas when they work from home – more than any other nation.

So if you deal with a client who works from home make sure you give them a call before dropping in or be prepared to face the consequences!!

But on a more serious note, if you are considering the option of working from home be aware that it is not for all people.  It sounds great, but unless you are very disciplined and well organised it can lead to disaster.

There can be many distractions that you think you can handle without too much hassle, but in reality it is not that simple.

Working from home maybe one of those things that you want to try before jumping in the deep end.  It can work and be very enjoyable, but you need to look at it from all angles.

• If you have or need clients to come to your workplace how do they feel about it?
• Can you separate home from work hours; that is instead of giving you a more balanced lifestyle would it in fact take the balance away.
• Do your clients understand that simply because you work from home does not mean you are available 24 hours a day seven days a week?
• How do you feel about the isolation of working from home?
• Are you the kind of person who is energised by the interaction with colleagues and the social aspects offices provide?

The other key areas to consider, when considering working from home, are the taxation, other legal/regulatory requirements and insurance/workplace health and safety implications.  I hear many comments from people who work from home about what they think they can claim in tax, relying on home insurance coverage even though they are operating a commercial business, not realising some local councils have strict rules on home base businesses etc etc.  It is imperative professional advice is sought, before setting up a home base business, from an accountant, lawyer, the local council and insurance broker (to name a few) to get the facts and make sure all the right things are in place and no nasty surprises arise down the track.

If you are considering working from home, take the time to talk to a number of people who have done it or are currently doing it and ask them for honest feedback as to what the benefits and downsides are for them so your decision can be well informed.