5 Tips to Make Your Home Office a More Productive Space
Your home office should be a comfortable, inspiring space that influences creativity and productivity. But, too often, when your office is at your home, you might find yourself distracted by household and parenting duties. Of course, there are plenty of ways you can improve your workspace and efficiency.
- Declutter and Organize
A scattered space can make you anxious and impede your progress. An organized space encourages a focused mind and streamlined work. First, remove anything in the room not related to your work, such as entertainment magazines and kids' toys. File your documents in cabinets, and organize materials like paper and pens in designated containers and shelves. Keep the materials you are using neatly arranged on your desk, and tidy up your space regularly.
- Buy Ergonomic Furniture
Image via Flickr by jnyemb
Sitting with poor posture at an uncomfortable workstation can damage your spine, leading to neck, shoulder, and back pain. Adjust your computer equipment for optimal use. Your screen should be at eye level, your feet should be flat on the floor, and your arms should be parallel to the floor. Buy a wireless keyboard and mouse, and invest in an ergonomic chair that preserves the natural curve of your spine.
- Set Up Proper Lighting and Air Flow
Natural light is the most invigorating way to light a room, but you might need to adjust for bright sunshine with curtains if it's causing a glare on your screen or shadows on your face when you are video conferencing. Also, experiment with the number, placement, and brightness settings of lamps.
Assess the room's airflow. A fresh breeze is lovely if seasonal weather permits, but proper heating, cooling, and ventilation during the frigid winter and sweltering summer are also necessary. Buy a fan to circulate the air, or have your local HVAC service technician install an air conditioning unit.
- Add Personal Touches
It's a home office, not a work cubicle. Design an environment that inspires your creativity, but keep your decorations harmonized and make them distinct from the rest of the home: You want your office to be a separate space with a different energy. Plants, photos, and artwork can add personal touches to your space while boosting creative energy.
- Maintain Work Standards
Make sure everyone in the home knows your home office is just as important as any other office. When you are in your office, you should be considered unavailable except for emergencies. Set up a schedule with allotted breaks, and share it with your family.
Also, don't get too comfortable. Wearing pajamas, listening to your favorite music, or drinking unlimited coffee can get you off-topic by putting you into a relaxed attitude. Mimicking professionalism and focus even when you're at home will reflect in your work.
The moment you enter your home office, you want to instantly snap into a working mindset to capitalize on your time, especially if you work in couple-hour bursts a few times a day. Update your workstation for a comfortable seated posture, and ensure your space is well-lit and well-ventilated. Maintain a neat and organized workspace, and add decorative touches for motivation.
