More than 55 percent of employees in the United States are working from home most days of the week. Working from home has given the chance to have a better work-life balance and many people are happier.
Unfortunately, one of the biggest struggles of working from home is having the motivation to work. Continue reading to discover some of the best tips for creating a home office that you enjoy working in!
Know Your Needs
Understanding the types of work environments that you work best in can be beneficial to creating a small home office.
Some people prefer to work near a window so that they can open it for fresh air. If you enjoy having a window nearby, keep this in mind as you choose your space to work.
Another factor that you should consider is noise level. If someone in your home is in the kitchen or working from home in another room and you need complete silence, try putting space in between you and the noise.
Limit Distractions
Many people have difficulty working from home because there are so many distractions that pull them away from their work.
Try to avoid working in spaces where you typically watch TV and relax. You may also want to steer clear of anywhere you can see the dishes piling up if you tend to step away and do house chores.
By limiting distractions you can help ensure that your work will go uninterrupted. Although it is not realistic that you won’t deal with any distractions, setting yourself up ahead of time can save you a lot of headaches.
Inspire Yourself
If you want to learn how to improve your workspace at home, many people recommend inspiring yourself.
You can use the wall space to decorate your office however you would like. You don’t have to worry about looking unprofessional and can put up as much as you desire. Many people use inspiration boards that they crafted to encourage them to work throughout the day.
Consider creating a board that has pictures and reminders of why you are working. These subtle reminders can help make your work more approachable, ultimately making you more efficient.
Use Closet Space
One of the biggest trends for creating a home office in a small space is to utilize closets in your home.
If you have a closet that is being underutilized, consider transforming that space into your work area. By setting up a small desk in the closet and pulling up a chair, you are already most of the way there.
You can even use shelving that is already installed in the closet to store binders, books, and more.
Set Up the Necessities
Another step in creating a productive workspace is to set up your office necessities.
Do you use a printer or scanner to get work done? If so, make sure that you have the printer installed in a convenient location that will allow you to easily use them. You will also want to grab any other materials that you use such as pens, sticky notes, and paper.
Some people recommend setting up a landline phone to help get in the work mindset. As you begin to work from home you will likely come across other items that your office needs. Don’t forget to have functional WiFi and a coffee maker!
Get Comfortable
Poor posture and inadequate seating can make the workday daunting.
Working in bed might seem like a good idea, but the chances of falling asleep increase. Finding a balance for comfort is crucial if you want to be productive working from home.
Investing in a good work chair can help keep you working and avoid any discomfort. Some people use cushions on their seats to get cozier and you can also light a candle to help relax. Putting your comfort to the side can lead to back problems and poor posture.
Consider Children & Pets
If you are working from home and also have children or pets, you will need to think about them while creating your space.
Parents that need to watch their children while working should set up an office in a central location. This gives them the most accessibility. This will help prevent issues from arising if you are closed up in an office space on the other side of the house. Make sure you set up an engaging environment for them to nap and play in while you get work done!
Dogs and other pets can also be a distraction from work so do your best to keep them comfortable and occupied. Many people sit near a window while working so that their furry loved one can sunbathe closely instead of thinking it’s playtime.
Keep Space to Yourself
Not all people can do so, but having your OWN space to work is important if you want to be productive.
Sharing a workspace or desk with your children or partner can cause issues when you go to look for important items. Avoid sharing a desk if possible so that you can go back to your work, exactly how you left it.
Multi-purpose locations can also become distracting if you are trying to get work done. It is important that you find one section in the home, even if it’s portable, for focusing.
Creating a Home Office That You Love
There are many steps to creating a home office that you must consider to be productive and efficient.
By creating a comfortable and relaxing environment, you can focus on what is in front of you. Make sure that you take the time to understand your needs and fully stock up your office with necessities.
Working from home with children and pets is doable, as long as you prepare everyone in the home. Be sure to check out our blog for more articles about working from home and becoming more efficient!
