Working from home can be a great opportunity to enjoy more freedom and flexibility. Many people, including those who care for family members, find that it’s convenient and helps them save money on commute expenses, child care, and more.
However, if you’re going to work from home for the foreseeable future, it’s important to make the transition as easy and successful as possible. These tips can help make working from home even better than you expected.
1) ASSIGN A DESIGNATED WORKPLACE
Temporarily, it makes sense to set up your office on your kitchen table or even on your bed. However, after a few weeks, working in an area that should be set aside for other uses can be problematic. Choose an area of your home to be a designated office space, even if it’s just a portion of a particular room. If others will be home with you, choose an area that can offer some privacy when it’s needed.
For some people, it may take some minor or major home renovations to create a new workspace. Funding home improvement projects can be challenging, but they can be worthwhile, especially if they improve your quality of life and the value of your home. Refinancing mortgage loans can be a great way to save up some extra cash that you can put towards improving your home or any other expenses you may have.
2) INVEST IN SOME QUALITY OFFICE FURNITURE
If you’re sitting in front of a computer most of the day, you need to have the right furniture to provide ample space so you can stay organized and productive. It’s also critical that your body has the support it needs to promote good posture.
Find a solid desk and an ergonomic chair that suits you based on your height and weight. As a general rule, your hips should be slightly above your knees and your elbows should be slightly above your wrists when you are seated and typing at a computer. Also, your screen or monitor should be positioned at eye level.
3) ADJUST THE LIGHTING AS NEEDED
The lighting in a public setting is very different from the bulbs and fixtures used in most homes. Natural lighting is necessary and beneficial, but you may need to upgrade the fixtures in your office space too. Make sure you can see your work and screens well without creating eye strain.
Ample lighting can also enhance your mood and energy levels.
4) UPGRADE YOUR INTERNET
If it’s been a while since you’ve updated your home internet, talk with your provider about which options are available to you. If you need any type of internet access to work, it’s important that you have all of the bandwidth you need to avoid buffering, slow processing, and consequently, declines in productivity. You may need to update some of your home equipment to enjoy faster speeds, but the investment will be well worth it.
5) CREATE THE RIGHT ATMOSPHERE
Consider what you need to be happy in an office setting and use that list to help you set up your own home workspace. Creating a calm, relaxing, and productive atmosphere can help you look forward to being in that space, limiting distractions and boosting your creativity and overall mood. Keep the area clutter-free and organized and decorate it with photos, artwork, and anything else that will help you feel professional yet at ease in your own home.
6) TRY SOME NOISE-CANCELLING HEADPHONES
If you’re not the only person at home during the day, noises can be distracting when you’re trying to check things off your to-do list. A high-quality set of noise-canceling headphones can help eliminate those unwanted interruptions while helping you stay focused. It can also be relaxing to enjoy your favorite music while you work.
With the right approach, working from home can be a great experience. Above all, set yourself up for success by prioritizing your physical and mental health. Take breaks, spend time outdoors, and get out of the house to spend time with friends as much as you can. When combined with a great setup, these steps can make working from home a true pleasure.
