The Covid-19 pandemic has been an eye-opener when it comes to the need for flexibility. Post-pandemic, most businesses will prefer remote working to help their employees achieve a proper work-life balance and to reduce overhead costs.
With this in mind, it is essential to create a dedicated space for working in your home to ensure productivity and effectiveness are maintained even as you work remotely. Here are some fantastic tips to get you started.
1. Pick the Right Room
You probably have several free spaces in your house that you can convert into an office. However, it is worth noting that not all these spaces are ideal. Choosing the right room to set up an office is the first step towards working productively from home.
Some popular spaces you can consider are the basement, a den, or a guest room. Some people work in their living rooms or even the kitchen, depending on the space available. The critical thing is to ensure the area you choose is somewhat separated from the rest of the house.
Something like a door would be enough to separate the space and seclude you from distractions.
2. Allow Natural Light In
You shouldn’t work in a dark room when you can allow natural light in. Installing office blinds will be an excellent way to allow natural light and maintain privacy when need be while reducing harmful glare.
Read Automated smart lighting and electric blinds. It can help keep you on schedule and keep your environment ideal throughout the day. Working in a bright room will not only boost your mood but also enhance your productivity. A well-lit room is also visually appealing and has health benefits. Ensure that you also pick a room that will provide you access to natural light.
3. Consider Ergonomics
When working from home, it is tempting to work from the couch. However, this can affect your productivity and health. Placement – Instead, consider investing in an ergonomic office chair and a usual or standing desk. These should allow you to sit upright throughout a workday and at the same time protect your back. The desk’s height should also be ideal, and your computer should be positioned at eye level.
4. Get the Right Tech
The success of remote working relies on the availability of technology. Having the right tech in your home should be a priority. Install Wi-Fi with the help of a reliable internet service provider. Ensure your computers and accessories are in good working order. You will also need a scanner to support sharing documents with your colleagues.
5. Create a Storage Space
Work documents are usually sensitive and should be protected. If you are not careful, you might stain them with tea or they can get destroyed by your kids and pets. However, having dedicated storage space will ensure that your documents are safe from damage and don’t get lost. It will also help you stay organized, which is critical to productivity.
You can do DIY shelves or purchase a bookcase, filing cabinets, or bookcase. Also, have a bin to store clutter. These will keep your workspace clear from clutter, allow you to locate documents, and ensure a smooth workflow.
6. Keep It Private and Dedicated
It’s important to keep the space private and dedicated to your work, as this will eliminate distractions that can interfere with your productivity. Limiting access to the area will also ensure that sensitive documents and data are safe. Keep TVs or game consoles in a separate location, as well as anything else that does not belong in an office.
7. Get Office Supplies
Your home office is not complete if you don’t have all the necessary supplies. You have successfully selected space and set up a workspace; now it is time to stock up on office supplies.
Remember that running out of them could interrupt your workflow and hurt your productivity. Ensure you have all the printing papers you need, ink, pens, file folders, staplers, a paper punch, and all the items you use on a daily basis.
Ensure that you are never understocked on these to avoid frustrations. As you go on, keep checking the level of supplies available and get more to replace the ones that have run out.
8. Add a Clock to Your Home Office
While most people might find a desk or wall clock unnecessary today, they are necessary tools in any home office. However, while you can use your phone to check the time, you can easily get derailed and start making calls, responding to messages, or browsing when you are supposed to be working.
Hanging a clock where you can see from your desk is a great way to keep you organized. With a glance, you can know when it is time to move to a different task, take a break, or close work.
9. Create a Daily Schedule and Stick To It
One risk of working from home is that you might end up working for more hours than you should. However, having a clear schedule and sticking to it will go a long way in helping you achieve a work-life balance.
Have a calendar and highlight office hours, and include your breaks. This will not only help you take breaks to take care of yourself, but it will also enhance your focus. In addition, you will create a sense of urgency in completing tasks before you take breaks. Breaks are also necessary for enhanced productivity!
10. Personalize Your Space
Your home office doesn’t have to be identical to the one you have back at your employer’s premises. The beauty of working from home is that you have the freedom to set up your office as you like. So do not hold yourself back if you feel adding a potted plant to your new office will make you feel better.
Whether it is your favorite wall art or a souvenir, use it to personalize your space. You can also add a rug or DIY décor to make the space fun. If you would like to paint your office wall, go for it! Make the office fun and functional.
11. Get an Office Phone Number
Most people have a separate business number. If you don’t have one, consider setting up a separate office line. This will help you stay focused when working from home and also help you maintain a work-life balance.
When it is a business-related call, you can tell and decide whether to respond to it, depending on whether it is during office hours or your breaks. It will also help you avoid reaching for your phone when the call is not work-related or from a colleague during your working hours.
This does not have to be expensive. It could be as simple as getting a new office line for a phone that you don’t use, using a VoIP line provided by your internet service provider, or installing a landline.
Conclusion
Working from home can increase productivity and job satisfaction if done the right way. Setting up a home office is the first step towards successful remote working. Pick a suitable space and dedicate it only to work.
Eliminate distractions and allow adequate light in the area. Get the right tools for working, such as office furniture, stable internet connection, and reliable computers.
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