COVID-19 has really changed the way we’ve considered home offices and working from home. We’re a few months in but we’re starting to feel the pain from the kitchen island bar stools or the not so comfortable dining room table.
Plus, how many meetings have we had that sees your kids screaming in the background or your spouse walking through the kitchen looking for a snack. Probably pretty common these days. We all need a home office that will allow us to be productive and keep work at work so to speak. Designating a spot in your home will allow you keep time with the family separate from work. It’s also easy to set up a home office too! Here are some tips to increase your productivity:
Find the perfect spot in your home
If you have a spare room in your home it makes deciding where to put a home office but if you don’t, it means you have to get creative. You could have your kids share a room for a while OR if you have a very large closet, you could convert it into a work space. If you think working from home is going to be a more permanent arrangement, make your workspace more permanent with built in storage space.
When choosing a space, make sure you take note of the lighting. A basement may seem like a good idea, but if there isn’t a lot of natural lighting, you may get bored of the space very quickly.
Create the best Ergonomics
Inspiration and comfort are two of the most important components of creating a productive workspace. Make sure you invest in a good adjustable chair, laptop stand or even wireless keyboard that will take the strain off your neck and lower back.
Personalize It
Making the space your own is important. Making the space neat and the way you want will allow you to be the most productive as it will be a space you will want to me in. Organize all your work related items in a fashion that is most beneficial to you. Use cabinets and shelves the best you can. Also, place the desk in front of a window or in the middle of the room so everything is visible and accessible to you. Plus, who wouldn’t want a little outside inspiration?
Work vs. Family
Creating a healthy work-life balance is just as important, if not more important when you work from home. You know your kids or spouse may be in the next room. If you make your workspace as productive, you may not want to leave. But you need to know when 5pm hits in order to keep healthy relationships with your family and friends. Make sure your space has a door that you can close at the end of the door or when you have a meeting. Try to avoid putting a desk in the corner of your bedroom as you’ll be constantly reminded of work even at bedtime.
