This week my blog is a guest post courtesy of Cloe Matheson from Dunedin.
She has some great ideas on how to optimize a workspace at home and ensure that you maintain productivity and efficiency as well as the very important work-life balance.
Photo from Unsplash
by Cloe Matheson
Working at home is not as easy as it sounds. While it’s great to have freedom and flexibility, the home environment is naturally filled with many distractions that you don’t have in a traditional office. Whether you’re faced with family members making noise or the constant temptation to turn on the TV, it can become very easy to procrastinate. Staying productive requires a certain level of self-control and discipline. But by setting up a distraction-free workspace that promotes productivity, it will be much easier to stay focused on the work tasks at hand. Follow these tips to get started.
Set Boundaries
Perhaps the most important thing you can do to maximize productivity is to set boundaries between your workspace and your relaxation space. While it may seem appealing to work from the comfort of your couch or your bed, these places are associated with free time and can affect your mindset for work. Sitting at a desk that is used solely for work will put you in a productive state of mind for the work day ahead. Ideally, your designated workspace should be in a separate room that is quiet and private. But if this is not possible, consider using a room divider to shield your workspace from surrounding distractions. This will help you maintain a level of privacy and focus solely on your work.
Declutter & Organize
Keeping your work environment clean and tidy will help to create a sense of order and calm. Your desk area should clear of any items that aren’t related to work. Keep your phone and other random belongings out of sight so that you have no potential distractions. Get rid of anything you no longer need, like old paperwork, receipts or bills that have piled up. At the very least, store them so they won’t get in the way. Invest in some shelving or spacious drawers so that you can store everything in an orderly fashion. This will help you stay organized and focused on the work tasks at hand.
Photo from Pxhere
Invest in Quality Office Furniture
Every productive workspace requires comfortable, good-quality office furniture. Your chair should have good back support and be comfortable enough to sit on for long lengths of time. Poor ergonomics causes discomfort and fatigue, which can be distractingly painful when you’re trying to get work done. Your physical health and comfort vastly affects your productivity and the quality of your work, so it’s essential to get your seating right.
Also, remember that you want your office space to be visually pleasing too – adding style and color to your workspace can help to inspire creativity. When selecting office furniture, look for pieces that will liven up your space. Bright and bold furniture, in particular, has become a popular trend in the workplace and can help to promote the productivity and well-being of employees.
Bring in the Outdoors
Humans have an innate connection to nature. Exposure to the natural world can have a positive impact on our energy, creativity, productivity and overall mood. Many modern office spaces today are stripped of their connection to the outdoors, but your home office doesn’t have to be this way. Try to position your office near a window so you can get a glimpse of the outdoors and maximize your exposure to natural light. If you can’t work near a window, then add some greenery to your office area with a plant or two. This greenery will help you stay connected to nature and also bring some literal life to your space!
Cloe Matheson is a freelance writer from New Zealand who loves discussing all kinds topics, from career development to parenting to gardening.
She finds that her creativity flows best when her writing desk is tidy and clear of distractions! You can find more of Cloe’s inspiring articles on Tumblr.
