Maximizing Your Home Office: Tips and Tricks for Remote Work Success.
Here we are, closing out 2021 and the reality is that most are still working from home. We have been in this pattern for over 18 months and a lot of companies are sticking to the remote aspect of the workforce for the foreseeable future. Studies show that people who work from home are more productive and typically happier...BUT, having a designated home office is the key to your success. It is time -if you haven't already- to invest in yourself and your workspace. And while you may not have the space in your current home for a home office, there are plenty of things that you can do to perfect the space that you do have! Keep reading.
Whether it’s a designated room or a designated corner, adding your personal touch to an at-home office can be a fun and rewarding experience!
1. Pick the right spot. This seems pretty straight forward, but you have to think about your needs. A space that is away from distractions is ideal, but if that's not possible, try noise cancelling headphones! If you have kids at home that you need to keep an eye on, your ideal space may be the end of the counter, or the dining room table. That's fine! Just create a designated area that is yours and stick to it. Also, keep in mind that you will need a spot that has a nice backdrop if you are on video calls.
2. Natural light! Studies show that 46 minutes or more of daylight helps with sleep, lowering stress levels, and increased activity. So try to set up near a window if possible and if not, use plenty of artificial light to create a natural and bright surrounding.
3. "Lean" vs "Enriched” workspace. Most offices have the "less is more" thought process. Employers believe that stark walls and work areas ("lean") alleviate distractions and increase focus, when in actuality…it’s the opposite. Tailoring your at-home work space to your liking (plants, artwork, pictures, colors, or any sensorial stimulation that you enjoy) can increase productivity by 32%! So hit the garden store or take those pictures off the fridge and hang them on the walls around you!
4. Get outside…or just get moving. When you're in the office, you spend a portion of the day moving: heading out on your lunch break, walking to meetings or the bathroom, asking a colleague for input, or getting some water from the bubbler. Don't stop this at home! Movement is essential to keeping your brain functioning at a high level AND keeping your body healthy too. One major benefit of working remotely is the ability to push away from the desk and go for a walk, a run, or to just enjoy a break without the watchful eyes of a coworker or boss. You will come back to your work rejuvenated and ready to tackle the rest of the day. So do it! Your body and your mind will thank you.
5. Transitioning. This could be the most difficult part of working from home. It is so important to know when to start the day and when to end it. Some people do this with a specific music playlist, while others set alarms and "Do Not Disturb" notifications on their devices. The bottom line is that you should make a routine and stick to it. Maybe you go for a walk, eat a good breakfast, shower, and get dressed for the job! Just because you can wear pajamas doesn't mean that you should. Now this doesn’t mean that you have to put on a suit, but simply put- looking good can make you feel great! The second part of this, which is more important than the first, is the ability to "shut it down". Clients, customers, and employers don't expect you to work past regular office hours just because you are now working from home. So, why are you? The fact is, if you make yourself available at all hours, people will start to expect it. You need to set a hard stop. Disconnect. Put your work away. Turn off the light…and walk away.
For a lot of people, this remote way of doing business is a new and uncomfortable experience. But, with the proper planning and dedication to creating the "right" workspace, it can be a wonderful and productive experience. Create your space. Reinvent your working self. Get busy!