Thanks to ever-evolving technologies like Skype, Facetime, and cloud computing, it's no longer necessary to be physically in an office to be a productive member of the team. Home working is also shown to raise productivity and reduce costs for the hiring organisation. As part of an agile workforce, contractors will often find themselves working from home. Although this is generally viewed as an advantage, home working needs the right set up and the right structure in place in order to be effective. In this two-part article, Umbrella Exchange looks at what you need to consider when working from home.

Computer and software requirements

It’s likely that as a contractor, you’ll have your own computer and software. According to your industry and skills, it will be more common for you to work on either a PC or a Mac. However, if you work across industries, you’ll need to consider the compatibility of the software required. Some software will only work with a Windows operating system, so if you work on a Mac, you’ll either need to acquire a PC or download Bootcamp, which installs Windows on your Mac. However, be aware that this can slow down your MAC considerably.

Although many companies will lend their contingent workforce specific pieces of equipment, contractors might want to consider owning both a MAC and a PC. This will cover all eventualities and will provide you with backup provision in the event of hardware failure. You also need to ensure that you regularly back your work up. Many contractors double backup to a hard drive and to the cloud for maximum security.

Depending on the services you provide, you might need to invest in extra cloud storage in order to backup and file share with your colleagues on an assignment. In addition to technical software, contractors should consider investing in software for administrative functions such as accounting and invoicing.

Internet and phone service

Whatever sector you work in, if you are working from home then you’ll need a reliable, decent speed internet connection.  Maintaining responsive communication while working on an assignment is a fundamental expectation of contracting. Your client is unlikely to be impressed if you don’t get things done because your internet connection is unreliable.

You also need to factor in what kind of tasks you perform on a daily basis when considering internet packages. If you work in design or media and need to upload/download large files, you’ll need to ensure you have sufficient band width. While internet connectivity is improving all the time, factors such as the kind of building you’re working in and the amount of usage in your area can all affect latency. There are various products on the market to help you overcome issues and enhance your connection.

While a subscription to a high-speed 3 –5 megabit hardwired internet connection, like DSL or Cable is standard, there are other alternatives. A ‘dongle’ can be used as a mini modem that lets you connect to 3G or 4G if there’s no wired connection available. Depending on your cell phone carrier and plan, you may be also be able to turn your smartphone into a mobile hotspot. These options provide a useful backup in the event that your standard connection goes down, while their portability makes them useful if you need internet on the move.

You might also want to consider having a dedicated phone line for business purposes rather than relying on your home line. Contracting can involve working outside regular hours and across time zones, so you need to ensure that your line isn’t tied up by other people when someone is trying to reach you.

Come back next week to find out additional tips that can help you work from home effectively. 
To talk to a member of our team about you contracting options, call 0203 393 3881