For many people working from home seems like a dream. They envision typing away from their home office while wearing pajamas and petting their dog. And, while this may be real, there are still some downsides to working from home, especially if you lack a dedicated home office. For example, my home office also serves as my husband's office, an occasional guest room, and an animal lounge area. So, what are some ways to be more productive (and less distracted) when working from home? Let's take a look.
Environmental Basics
First, your office must be aesthetically pleasing. Try a fresh coat of paint or some new curtains. Paint the room a color that you find uplifting and inspiring; you want to be alert and productive. Make sure you have good lighting--either from windows or task lighting. Add a plant or some new artwork.
Organize and Declutter
While it is fine to have a plant or a few pictures, be sure to streamline your decor. The items in your office should be there to help you complete necessary tasks. If it takes you 10 minutes to find a file under a pile of old photos and magazines, it is time to clean and reorganize. Get a bookshelf or a file cabinet and store items that you need to keep but don't need to access daily. And, while you might like variety, you really don't need 100 pens and 20 different types of Post-It notes. Donate these types of extras to a school or charity.
Necessary Equipment
I cannot stress this enough--make sure you have an appropriate desk and chair. It is worth spending the money to be comfortable and happy, which, in turn, makes you more productive. Be sure that your computer, printer, fax, phone, and whatever else you need are up to snuff and in good working order. A lot of time is wasted trying to complete simple tasks when we lack the necessary tools.
Sharing is Caring
It is actually pretty common for home offices to serve dual purposes, just make sure you maximize the space for the best use. If guests are rare, opt for a smaller bed or pullout option. Add a bed and some toys for Fluffy or Fido so they are content while you work. Do your best to keep your work space "separate" from the other zones so you can better focus.
If you have not made the transition to working from home and need help in your company office with you printer, contact us today.