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Thousands of workers continue to work at home after the past year. Quarantine measures made it necessary for more than 90% of workers to convert their careers to home-based jobs during the 2020 pandemic. Today, many of those same workers are choosing to continue working from a home office.
The benefits and convenience of working from home have been realized by both businesses and employees. If you are thinking about working from home, you will need to set yourself up for success. Creating a productive home office will take a bit of time, thought, and effort.
While working from home will give you more freedom, it’s important to create an environment where you can focus and complete your tasks. Finding the right space, office furniture, and supplies is a good starting point. Let’s take a look at a few ways that you can create a productive home office.
A Designated Workspace
It’s best to recreate an office environment when you work from home. Choose a dedicated space where you can get to work every day. Having a consistent workplace will help you to focus and get into the right headspace when it’s time to work. Your space should be an area that gives you some privacy from the rest of your family members. Choose a spot that is not a high-traffic area so you will have the quiet you need to concentrate on your work. Make sure that you have enough electrical plugs in your space for your office equipment and an internet connection close by.
Eliminate Distractions
Your home can be filled with distractions that can make it tough to concentrate on your work. When you choose a workspace, it’s best to avoid an area that has a television. It’s easy to get sucked into binging your favorite show when you should be working.
Let your family members know your work schedule and ask them to respect your privacy and quiet. Choosing the same work hours daily will make it easier for you and your family to stay on track.
Lighting
You won’t necessarily have the benefit of a well-lit office environment in your home. However, you should choose a space that has enough light so that you won’t strain your eyes. A spot by a window will give you lots of natural light. Outfit your space with a lamp or overhead lighting to ensure that you have enough brightness to work efficiently.
Storage
Most jobs come with files, equipment, or paperwork. You will need to provide yourself with enough storage in your workspace to keep you organized. You can get a small two-drawer file cabinet, a set of wall shelves, and a package of file folders to get you started. Don’t forget a few containers to hold your pens and office supplies.
Ambiance
In the same way that you would have tried to personalize your office space at work, you should make an attempt to create a soothing ambiance in your home office. Put up a few pictures of you and your family, add a few plants to the space, or decorate with your favorite colors.
Working from home can be enjoyable and productive if you have the right space to work. Follow some of these tips to create the perfect home office.