In recent years, I’ve noticed a decreasing standard of professionalism in the world of work-from-homers. The decline really picked up pace in the "Covid" era, during which it seems a new and very low standard of professional expectation was set.

Not so long ago, it was primarily freelance writers, website developers and graphic designers from whom you could expect no landline numbers, rampant toddlers in the same room, barking dogs or televisions in the background, and conversations with spouses taking priority over the client on the end of the phone.

However, this shabby and disrespectful attitude seems to be pervading a higher level of professional nowadays. It’s disappointing. If you’re a work-from-homer, it’s worth ensuring your standards remain high in terms of your phone manner and the focus you place on a client.

The same applies to executives who have “work from home” days.

Arguably, it applies even more so: You have the reputation of your company to uphold at the highest level.

Remember, it’s both your choice and your privilege to work from home – and it’s worth remembering that your / your employer’s clients are paying for your time and your attention. Your choice should not result in their pain. If you choose to operate from a home office or have work-at-home days, you have the moral obligation to ensure a professional and functional backdrop against which to conduct client communications.

Another reason to do so is this: 

If you or your employer provide services on a time-billed basis, your clients are more than justified in harbouring concern over the focus you are attributing to their work, and thus the value they are receiving, when they have to compete with your toddler, radio, or dishwasher for your attention.