Implementing these simple and low-cost changes can make you significantly more productive when working from home. When working from home, it can sometimes be challenging to separate work from personal life. One moment you’re doing the financial report, and the other you’re doing laundry. Depending on the space in your home, you might be doing both of these things in the same room.
To help you stay focused, and get more work done when working from home, there are some ground rules to follow. Try something from the list for your home office, and see how it affects your productivity.
Have a designated workspace
To make it easier for you to tap into the work mode, and have the office feel right at home, you should have a designated workspace. This means occupying a part of your home with work equipment and using it solely for work. It doesn’t have to be an entire room if you don’t have the space. A simple corner with a desk and a chair will do it too. Having a workspace in your home will also help you minimize distractions and keep the work-life balance. And separate your personal life and activities from your work life.
Take advantage of lighting
Good lighting plays a big role in the productivity of work-from-home jobs. Here are a few reasons you should work in a well-lit room:
- Increases focus
- Positively impacts mood
- Enhance energy levels
- Improves sight clarity
It’s best to position your table near a source of natural light, such as a window or a terrace. But, if that’s not possible, you can install task lighting or get desk lamps. It’s important to place the lighting correctly so it doesn’t create shadows and glare when working.
Invest in ergonomics
Our honest tip when working from home is to invest in good ergonomics first. This means getting a work desk that is of proper height and an adjustable ergonomic chair to support your back. This will help you keep a good posture throughout the workday, and lessen the strain on your back and neck muscles. Also, it will keep you from working in uncomfortable positions and ruining your posture. And if you feel comfortable when working, you’re more likely to be productive.
Declutter your space
Try to keep things simple in your home office and only keep the things you need to work. And this is a useful productivity tip no matter if you’re working full hours or have a freelancing job.
If your workspace has too many items lying around creating a mess, you might start to feel overwhelmed. It will distract you and hinder your concentration. And you might lose important documents in the clutter on your desk. So take some time to remove unnecessary items from your desk, and you’ll see the benefits right away.
Set boundaries
Setting clear boundaries between work and personal life is crucial to avoid burnout when working from home. It can be tempting to mix household tasks with work or respond to emails at odd hours since the office is just a few steps away. Whether you’re a stay-at-home mom with a part-time job or have a full-time one, establishing boundaries is essential.
Ask family members to respect your work hours and refrain from interrupting you. Set specific work hours and commit to them. Once the clock hits the designated time, close your laptop and step away from your workspace. By creating a distinct boundary, you’ll enhance productivity and reduce stress throughout the day.
