The days when employees left home to go to work may soon be a thing of the past for some industries. Research shows more and more people are spending at least part of their time working remotely. If you’re one of the people who has traded your commute for a few steps into your home office, there are tips you need to keep in mind to make sure you stay productive.
Have your technology in place
Most people working from home rely on computers and Internet access. If the brunt of your work depends on being connected, then having a primary and a backup way to stay plugged in is vital. In addition to standard wireless, consider adding a hot spot to your phone. In an area prone to power outages, consider investing in an uninterruptible power supply. It kicks in when the primary power source fails.
Make it Comfortable and Appealing
Just because you’re working doesn’t mean you can’t decorate to suit your style and comfort. From cheap giant rugs, you can find online to the perfect paint job, your office is a place you’ll be spending a lot of time, so it should reflect your taste.
Get the Best Desk
This is one place you don’t want to cut corners. In addition to traditional sit-down desks, there are plenty of options now that include standing desks as well as convertible alternatives. The benefits to these types of desks are obvious—you’re not sedentary for the majority of your day.
The Chair Needs to be Just Right
Just like the right desk is essential, so is your chair. Anyone who has spent much time with a desk and chair combination that wasn’t ergonomically correct knows what a pain it can become. Be sure to pick the right chair for the job. Whatever your task, your desk chair needs to support your body in a
healthy posture.
Be organized
Truth is most of us need very little on our desk, especially if our work is on a computer. There are plenty of tools out there to get you organized from file folders and cabinets to storage bins. When it comes to your desk—keep it clear. If you need personal touches such as pictures, consider hanging them on the wall. Being productive means minimizing distractions such as piles of paper.
Have the Right Light
Natural lighting is as crucial for you as it is for your work. Plenty of studies tout the benefits of natural light. Being exposed to it helps your mood, your sleep, and your productivity. If you don’t have a window in your office, you still need adequate light to work. Consider adding a desk or floor lamps to ensure you have enough light for reading.
Conclusion
Finally, give yourself a break. Studies show people who work from home take fewer vacation days. It’s important to keep yourself fresh, not only with an occasional brain break but also getting out to socialize. Keeping in touch with people is one of the challenges of working from a home office.
