Whether you’ve started a home-based business or recently had to transition to working remotely during the pandemic, it’s not long before you realize just how difficult it is to remain focused and get things done. From taking care of your family’s needs to getting distracted by outside influences, staying on task comes with several challenges. While there are a few practical strategies to improve productivity, your home office’s setup is a great place to start.
Whether your home office is in a spare room or a corner in your kitchen, bedroom, dining, or living room, there are things you can do to improve your workspace’s overall comfort and functionality for a more productive day. Continue reading for simple and affordable solutions.
Relocate to a Quiet Space
How can you expect to get anything done if you’re constantly distracted by the television, kids, pets, and other outside influences? To be more productive throughout the day, it is highly recommended that you relocate your office to a quiet part of your home or apartment. Making a move may mean clearing out space, moving that pvc table cover or rearranging furniture, but the peace and quiet allow you to focus on the task at hand.
Wear Headphones
You may not be able to isolate your workspace from the rest of the house completely, but that doesn’t mean you can’t be more productive. Wearing a pair of headphones can quickly resolve your problem. Advanced noise-canceling features drown out background noises allowing you to work in peace.
Get a Comfy Chair
Working from home often requires you to sit for hours at a time. Continuing this every day, however, can result in neck and back pain. When you’re constantly distracted by these aches and pains, it’s hard to get things done. You can enhance your comfort and improve productivity by sitting in a comfortable chair. If you can’t afford to spring for a new office chair, there’s always the option to purchase cushions or support pillows to improve the comfort of a chair you already have.
Computer Monitors
Laptops and tablets may be ideal for working on the go, but they aren’t the best for working at home. The constant hunching and squinting required to work from mobile devices can cause undue stress on your posture and vision. When stationary, it is highly recommended that you use a desktop for improved comfort and productivity. If you’re unable to afford a desktop, there’s also the option to purchase a computer monitor and monitor mount. Using the right adapter, you can connect the monitor to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop to make it easier to view things on the screen. On the other hand, a mount allows you to position the monitor so that your eyes are level with the top of the screen for improved posture.
Adequate Storage
Clutter and disorganization are critical factors in slowed productivity. If you want to get more done in your home office, it is vital to have adequate storage. File cabinets work well to keep essential documents in order; bookshelves and wall units are ideal for holding books and other office supplies. For a more organized workspace, desk organizers can be utilized to keep everything from pens and pencils to scrap paper and essential documents.
Proper Lighting
The amount of lighting in your home office can significantly impact your comfort and productivity levels. As your brain responds to light, working in a dark space leaves you feeling tired and limits your ability to see clearly. Therefore, it is essential to have proper lighting. As natural light is the healthiest and most affordable solution, start by investing in shades or blinds to allow sunlight during the day. If your workspace doesn’t have access to natural light, you can also purchase a desk or floor lamp for increased visibility and comfort.
If working from home has slowed down your productivity, it may be time to consider your home office’s overall design and setup. Using suggestions such as those previously discussed, you can reduce distractions, improve your comfort, and get more done throughout the workday.
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