Struggling to make 'work from home' work for you? Here’s a cheat sheet.

Higher productivity. Savings on commute, food, coffee, even dry-cleaning. More family time. Making full use of the telecommuting option seems like a no-brainer – except it isn’t.

For starters, the social animal within you could feel isolated because of a lack of real-life interactions. To prevent that from happening, go to a coffee shop or a co-working space, and be part of an actual team meeting once in a while, advises BP Biddappa, executive director of HR, Unilever.

Second, try to mirror the real office environment. Start working at the same time as you would if you went to the office. Infuse your day with a combination of calls, working on the computer and conversations.

Last but not least, it’s important to ensure that you are not sidelined just because you are out of sight. “Have frequent check-ins with your manager and team. That makes sure you're on a path that is consistent with the way your line manager sees it,” Biddappa adds.

What are the biggest challenges you face when working from home? Share in the comments below.