There are a few simple tricks you can use to build a more comfortable and productive home office.
- A PLACE TO WORK
Try to set up a workplace at home where you can work sensibly and healthily. Use the proper ergonomics by putting your desk at the right height, using the correct settings on your chair, and maintaining the recommended distance from your screen. It does not hurt to put a bit of “office atmosphere”, and if you need to stay near to the phone, then look for a quiet place.
- SET OFFICE HOURS
Working for a fixed period every day helps give your day routine and structure.
Besides improving productivity, it is good for your work-life balance as well.
Have set times for when you start working, take breaks and stop working can help facilitate your workflow. =And once you have finished your work, shut your laptop, put your pen aside, and switch off your phone.
- KEEP YOURSELF DISCIPLINE
At home, there are a lot of things that can keep us from working … the dirty dishes, Netflix, and, by the way, the windows could really use a good cleaning too… It’s a good idea to make a “to do” list so that you can prioritize your tasks, set deadlines for them, and then check them off once they are done.
- COMMUNICATE
Try to hold any planned meetings as video conferences and organize regular team meetings in which all colleagues can participate. You can use zoom, or google hangouts to virtually meet prospective clients, or each other’s at a moment’s notice. We don’t need to be in the same place to talk.
- WORK IN TANDEM
Define your tasks clearly, set responsibilities, ensure transparent communication, use collaboration tools and let your colleagues know how and when you can – or cannot – be reached! The home office is all about teamwork.
- TAKE A BREAK
Take regular breaks. An afternoon coffee, a breath of fresh air in the garden or a park, a walk around the block, or simply looking out the window – short breaks stimulate creativity and performance as well as take the edge off of “creativity blocks” you may be having. Let’s not forget about taking the time to enjoy a proper lunch break! And avoid eating lunch at your desk – It is bad for you anyway.
- MOVE
The average office worker will spend about 80,000 hours in the office, most of them seated. That makes it even more important for you to not forget about stretching your legs every so often while you are working from home.
- COMFORT = PRODUCTIVITY
You will spend nearly half your day on it, a comfortable chair is the heart of a productive home office. Investing in a good one will make a notable difference to your work life.
- GREEN
Green plants will increase happiness and reduce stress. In fact, even a few plants can increase productivity by as much as 15%.
- LIGHT, LIGHT, LIGHT.
The first rule of building a comfortable office is to get plenty of natural light.
A recent study found that 40% of workplaces with natural light experience 3%-40% improvements in productivity. Plus, natural light just feels better!
No natural light? Install ambient lights. It works if you like working after dark. Try placing a few cheap rope LED lights around your workspace.