There is no question that working in a traditional open office environment can limit productivity due to noise, visual distractions and continuous interruptions. But is working from home any better? Does telecommuting really improve productivity?

1) Distractions, Distractions

A distraction is nothing more than an attention-grabber, something that threatens to interfere with your current focus. In that sense, distractions exist everywhere, both in a public office and a home office. If you believe that telecommuting would help you to get more work done, you need to first consider the potential for distractions in your home.

Would most of your family members be out of the house during your work hours? Would friends respect your work time and wait to call when your workday is done? Is your neighborhood filled with random noise from traffic, loud neighbors, barking dogs, and so on?

If so, working at home may not be as peaceful as you hope!

2) Ability to Focus

Beyond external distractions, many people also struggle with the inability to focus for extended lengths of time. If you do too, even a completely silent workspace may not be enough to improve your productivity. You'll find yourself bouncing from one task to another without ever completing anything.

In this case, the distractions are coming from within and will occur no matter where you work.

3) Productivity and Motivation

When it comes right down to it, productivity must be driven by motivation. While quiet environments may make it easier to concentrate, an unmotivated person still won't get much work done! On the other hand, a very motivated person may have the willpower and focus to be productive no matter how loud or disruptive their surroundings are.

Productivity is not so much a product of environment as it is personality and habit.

Are you typically an efficient person? Do you feel a sense of urgency about meeting deadlines? Are you committed to your work? Do you already have a strong ability to stay focused? If so, you should be able to excel as a telecommuter.

Even if you don't yet have these traits, it is possible to develop them through consistent practice.