They say it's easy

One of the common misconceptions about working from home is that "it's easy". Sure, it's easier to throw in a load of laundry on a break or get supper started, but that's not the job. Those are the perks that come with the job, which is actually harder (and why those perks are important).

When you remove the perks (comfier clothes, no commute, your own environment, etc.) and just focus on performing the work, the at-home worker must put in extra effort on every activity to match, or hopefully exceed, their in-office counterpart. The reason? Distance. The exact same reason that those long-distance relationships from college didn't work out!

Imagine that you want to have an interactive brainstorming session with multiple people, free flowing ideas, and collaboration. In the office, you just grab a conference room and shove everyone in. When you are differently located, however, you must find a technology solution that will perform many of the same functions, such as whiteboards, chat, sharing documents, telephone, etc. These may cost money, and they are certainly more overhead to set up than booking a room. And then you actually have to get people to participate on a platform they may not be familiar with. This results in extra preparation to become an expert yourself and being able to teach others. Which then also adds on to the meeting time. Whew! I'm exhausted just talking about it!!

Let's look at an even simpler example now. Assume that you like your coworkers and care about building a relationship with them. In the office, you'd probably say "Hi!" on your way to your desk, you'd chitchat at the water cooler, and probably go out to lunch every now and again. When you don't work in the office, these same people aren't within arms reach for such impromptu conversations. Once again, you must turn to technology to fill this gap, using mechanisms such as phone, instant message, and social media platforms. This comes with the same knowledge curve previously mentioned, for both you and the other parties involved. This also comes with more intent, which increases the effort. It's not just a convenient walk-by. You must go out of your way to be social. And with all that we have on our plates (those deliverables you are late with...), this can easily be curtailed to having social feel more like a burden than enjoyment.

Then, of course, there is the fear of being out of sight, out of mind. There is truth to that if you don't put energy into self promotion. You could be doing more work and receiving less recognition just because you are in the shadows. The physical person has the benefit of being seen each day, which creates a little marketing billboard for them each time. Without any effort, they are branding themselves. You, on the otherhand, need to make effort. You need to speak up on calls. You need to actively engage with senior leaders and peers. You need to toot your own horn. You must practice the ABC's of at-home promotion:

Always Be Communicating

Next time someone tells you that at-home work is easier, just smile and say "That's because I make it look easy!"

Say Cheese!

One of the foundations to building relationships when you are not co-located is to still feel physically connected to your coworkers through electronic means. Furthermore, the use of video allows you to really connect by seeing the person and their expressions (which so often speak more than words). And yet, so many people are reluctant to turn on their camera - But why?

Have you ever been around a person that refuses to get in any family/friend/group photos because they "hate photos of themselves"? Maybe it's even you!

There's actually some science around this phenomenon. It's called the mere-exposure effect. Basically, it illustrates that people prefer photographs that display their mirror image self and not their true self. It's the same reason you may hate the sound of your own voice - because you are used to what it sounds like reverberating in your own head and not what it really sounds like.

This effect is very interesting when it comes to photos. The image of you that you are most used to is the one in the mirror, where your features are reversed and your have a consistent light (be that bright, yellow, blue, white, etc.) In your photos, your features are not reversed and subject to the lighting that is present and other environmental variables. Thus, the picture looks weird compared to what you see every morning. Not surprising then, many people favor reverse camera selfies because it at least maintains the reversing mirror effect.

Now you know why you don't like your own photo. But here's something more important: While you may prefer the mirror image and not the true image, the opposite is true with your friends. They prefer the you in photos because that is the you that they know! Heck, studies show that even strangers will find your picture more likable than you will!

So back to turning cameras on for meetings...

If you aren't afraid to show up to a meeting in person, then why are you afraid to turn on your camera? Besides the above, there is also the casual nature that comes with working at home. Most people don't get done-up for work with hair, clothes, and makeup like they would when they come to the office. This leaves people feeling self-conscience about themselves.

Let me share some earth-shattering news with you: Your coworkers don't care. First of all, most people understand that when you work from home you're going to be more laid back. Secondly, they aren't judging you that way anyway. No one is talking about that zit on your forehead or your disheveled ponytail. They are far more interested in knowing you are a real person and talking with you than focusing on such petty things.

Remember, having a face works to your advantage. It is far easier to send scathing emails or stew on some aggravating encounter when you aren't a real person. But when someone has to say these things to your face, the tone changes as does the experience. Email and IM depersonalize the message and give perceived permission space to behave in ways you wouldn't face-to-face. So, put the face back into the interaction. Don't be a figment of someone's imagination, because figments will be forgotten!

Bottom-line - Turn on your camera. The fear is all in your head. And the benefits of overcoming that fear are huge.