Pauline Harris and Simon Kuper take a detailed look at working from home in I had a meeting in the bath (FT, August 1st) ups, downs and sideshows.

As they note, for companies it can be a source of savings (office space, utilities and so on).

For employees, it gives them back the time wasted commuting, they pollute less and save money otherwise spent at the pump.

The authors also suggest that people might be more productive working at home as there are less interruptions than in an office setup.

For others, freelancers and entrepreneurs it is now socially acceptable.

We all have heard people interviewed with kids sounds in the background.

What makes working at home successful according to I had a meeting in the bath is first and foremost having a space of your own.

Make the space work for you.

Can afford it, hire people like Neil Zimmerman of At Work At Home to design a custom home office for you.

For those of us who do not have room in our living quarters for office space, the article mentions the option of Shedworking documented by Alex Johnson, a homeworker in the UK.

You obviously need a backyard or a garden (and a permit) to setup this extension.

The advantage in the eyes of Alex Johnson is that even though your 'office' is only a stone throw away from your home when you close the door you leave your work behind.

I noticed attractive offerings like this room with a view from one of his sponsors, Garden 2 Office (picture above).

It does not take discipline just to get your work done. It also takes discipline to know when to stop.

Health, sanity and a rested body and mind are at stake.

Pauline Harris and Simon Kuper remind us that in order to get things done, we need to set ground rules with family members for 'do not disturb' times.

As for working hours, each person has to find when their mind is at its sharpest.

If your energy is depleted, take a nap they suggest and also find time to meet people face to face.

Let's do lunch sometimes.

No car, no punch clock for Monday Work Etiquette # 101

Number 100 for Monday Work Etiquette was: