Though there are millions of people who do it, working from home is not an easy feat. If you’re in a position where you’re looking to create a home office that’s conducive to productivity, consider the following five tips.
Cleanliness
When your work area is clean, it’s a lot easier to maintain clarity. When you work from home, it’s easy to focus on all of the chores and errands you need to run. Instead, designate time after work to clean, organize and run errands. Declutter and keep a clean space. You wouldn’t treat your office desk like a pig pen. Don’t lower your standards because you are at home. Your work area should be different than your home area. If you can take the minimalist approach, that won’t hurt. The less you have to look at, the less distractions you’ll have.
Furniture
When you’re sitting for hours on end, this does nothing for your physical well-being. In addition to taking breaks to stretch every hour, it’s a great idea to purchase furniture that will support your body. Get a chair that offers back support. Purchase a desk that will allow you to work efficiently. Measure the furniture before you purchase it in order to make sure it’ll fit the room. You might even want to consider purchasing a standing desk in order to allow your body an opportunity to increase your blood circulation throughout the day.
Optimal Lighting
If there’s a window in the home office, take advantage of the natural light by showcasing it. Hang curtains that will let the light shine through. A beautiful window treatment serves as the framework for sunlight to come in. If you’re working during the hours before the sunrise, invest in good lighting. You don’t want to feel like you have to squint or stare closely at anything in order to remain productive.
Comfort
For many people, a hard day’s work requires one or two cups of coffee. If your home office is a trek from the kitchen, consider setting up a small coffee bar in your office. It is hard to work if you are freezing or uncomfortably sweating. This does not happen in an office space because employers know that discomfort equals distractions. Distractions in the workplace equal lower productivity. This is why they say that time is money. It is more economical to call for air conditioning repair and work in a cool comfortable environment than to be unproductive and uncomfortable. A cool office is optimal as it will keep the electronic equipment safe and will not keep you dehydrated in the blistering sun. If you tend to feel most comfortable with the warm air at all times, have a small space heater in your office during the winter months.
Visual Motivation
Sometimes, it’s easy to get distracted. In order to remain focused on your work, keep a visual reminder of why you do what you do. Whether it’s a picture of the home you’re hoping to buy in the future or the family you’re working hard to provide for, keep a framed picture on your desk to remind you of what you need to remain focused on.
Take some time to set the office up in the way you’d like it to look. Consider dedicating a weekend or a few hours during the week to knock out the project. If you have a lot of decluttering to consider, try your best to break it up into manageable portions. Prioritize your home office because you’d never want to lose your livelihood due to a lack of productivity.
Kara Masterson is a freelance writer from West Jordan, Utah. She graduated from the University of Utah and enjoys writing and spending time with her dog, Max.
