08/10/03

British workers dreaming of packing in their nine to five office job in favour of a supposed easy life working from home, underestimate what it takes to be a successful homeworker.

New research from Norwich Union explodes the myth that working from home makes for a cushy life. In fact, two in five homeworkers say they work more than eight hours a day and over three- quarters find themselves working at weekends.

The "Homeworking Reality" study reveals that the working week is longer than 45 hours for nearly half of all homeworkers. This compares to the UK average working week of just over 39 hours*.

Nine out of 10 people working from home say they made the change for a more flexible lifestyle or to spend time with their family. But in reality the majority admit they work longer hours at home than their office counterparts.

Despite these long hours, the nation's army of homeworkers say friends and family still think working from home means long lie-ins, lounging on the sofa and endless daytime TV. Almost two-thirds (62%) of homeworkers admit their friends and family assume working from home is an easy option.

And instead of providing support, it seems homeworkers' friends and family members are actually the biggest hindrance to working from home – homeworkers say their top two distractions are personal visitors to their home during "office hours" and friends calling for a gossip.

And while the traditional office environment has relaxed over the past decade, Norwich Union's research reveals things are even more casual at home. One in 10 homeworkers admit they spent the day conducting business in their pyjamas and over a third say they have conducted an important business call whilst cuddling a partner, child or pet.

Isabel Baumber, product development manager at Norwich Union, said: "General perceptions of working from home are a long way off reality. With more people turning to homeworking to address their work-life balance it is essential that they understand it's not an easy option.

"However it's not all doom and gloom for wannabe homeworkers. Despite the long hours and multiple distractions it seems that once people have tried homeworking there is no looking back. Many would never return to working in an office environment, believing the benefits of working from home far outweigh the disadvantages.

"Our research also shows that many homeworkers may not have adequate insurance for their business. It's essential that those working from home check whether they are covered, particularly if they employ others or have clients visiting their homes."

To help people thinking of working from home, Norwich Union has produced top tips for successful homeworking:

Establish a daily routine. Create a realistic routine to help you stay focused and motivated and allow time for non- work breaks too.

Create a dedicated work area. Whether it's a separate room, desk or work surface, a dedicated workspace will help make the switch to "home mode".
Build a support network. Maintain and build business contacts that can offer you advice and keep you abreast of market trends and industry news. They may also be able to pass on all-important new business leads.

Learn how to deal with interruptions. Establish ground rules for other household members and make it clear that when you are at your desk you are not to be disturbed.
Get out of the house. To ward off cabin fever ensure you schedule appointments, both business and social, away from your home.

Provided by Nowich Union