Many people have made the switch to working from home over the past two years. Learn about home office tips that increase productivity.
Working from home used to be a novelty or a rarity. But in 2022, it’s almost become the norm. And it turns out that there’s more than one good reason for this. The pandemic may have pushed us to embrace the remote work life, but recent studies show that, on average, 6 out of 10 people feel more productive when working from home.
These numbers prove that working from home in an inspired and productive manner is entirely possible, especially in the right environment.
If you work remotely, the following office tips could help create a productivity haven in the comfort of your own house.
Designate a Space
The first step in creating a productive working environment at home is to designate a space or room that you’ll only use for work purposes. If you mingle your bedroom with your home office, you’re setting yourself up for failure.
You should use a blank space as a canvass for your home office as it will allow you to remove all potential distractions such as televisions, mobile phones, and other unneeded technologies. Setting up a workspace exclusively for productivity purposes is a great place to start.
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Maximize Natural Daylight
The best home offices are the ones that keep you focused and alert throughout the working day. Having an office filled with natural light leaves you feeling more inspired and productive as you watch the sun move across the sky.
Choosing a spot in the house with plenty of natural sunlight could make you want to spend more time in that room throughout the day. A bright electric light is also a good option if natural light isn’t available as it will help you feel more awake. A dim light is the death knell for productivity, as it will make you feel relaxed and sleepy, and you’ll soon find that your thoughts drift to other subjects, like your bed!
Keep Your Desk Tidy and Clutter-Free
If you’re working from home, you need a desk. Ditching the dining room table or kitchen counter is key, but once you’ve done that, you also need to ensure that you keep your desk clutter-free. Research shows that having a tidy, well-organized desk leads to a clear mind, as having less clutter reduces distractions and improves focus.
- Use a cable management system if you have numerous devices on your desk that need plugging in.
- Keep all forms and documents in a folder, file, or envelope.
- Pop pens and other stationery into a drawer or holder.
- Have your journal, notebook, day planner, or post-it notes within easy reach.
Knowing where everything is and having easy access to work materials will reduce the time that gets wasted looking for a document or specific pen.
Invest In An Ergonomic Chair
If you sit at your desk for 6 to 8 hours a day, you need to feel comfortable. So many of us fall into the trap of working from home while sitting on a dining room chair, but this is the fastest way to become unproductive.
It would help if you had a supportive and comfortable chair; otherwise, you’ll get up all the time, develop backache or headaches, and struggle to focus. An ergonomic office chair is one of the secrets to improved productivity, as it will make you want to sit at your desk. You can also ensure that when you exercise, you work out the muscles that help you maintain good posture, making sitting for long periods more comfortable.
Keep the Space Fresh and Clean
A critical practice that will make your home office a haven for productivity is keeping it fresh and clean. Waking up in the morning and walking into a room that requires a good cleaning will leave you feeling distracted.
Give your room a once over every week and ensure that you open the windows to get fresh air in too. You can also burn essential oils like lemongrass and peppermint to make the space smell great and give yourself a pick-me-up.
Add Personal Touches
So, we’ve established that you’re going to choose a designated room that gets lots of light, is kept clean and well aired, and has a comfortable chair and a well-organized desk. Once you’ve done these things, it makes sense that the next step is to create a space that reflects your tastes and personality.
The more your office appeals to your sense of style, the longer you’ll want to spend in it, and the more you’ll enjoy your time there. Curate your space by adding plants, painting the walls a color that promotes productivity, and hanging pictures or photographs on the wall. If the decor inspires you, that will carry over to your work.
Working from home takes discipline and focus. If you can design your office to give your productivity a boost, why wouldn't you?
