7 top tips for creating the perfect & productive home office
13th of February, 2021
Working from home has its upsides, no commuting, dress down days (bottom only if on zoom...), but it also has its challenges.
In amongst all the distrations of washings and toy clearing, I’ve have been thinking about how much I miss the Wrights of Campsie office in Lennoxtown.
But, as the world continues to shift towards a population that works from home, at least a lot more of the time, it’s likely that a productive home office will be one requirement that is here to stay.
So, I've done some research and here are the top 7 tips I've gleaned for enhanced productivity for your home office surroundings.
1. Silence is Golden
Not everyone is lucky enough to have a spare room in the house or garden to convert into a beautiful home office. However, to effectively work from home, you will need a dedicated space to concentrate on the tasks ahead.
Cordoning off a dedicated workspace with little distractions is essential for a productive working day. Ideally position yourself away from the TV and out of view of household chores awaiting your attention, and anything else which may cause your mind to wander.
2. Remember to Take Breaks
No employer would ever expect you to sit glued to your chair for eight hours a day without affording you some respite. To be productive at home, you should treat yourself precisely the same.
Take regular breaks where your work allows it. Grab a coffee, make time for a sandwich, take a comfort break, walk the dog, or simply get your step count up around the house or garden.
3. Clean and Declutter
A tidy room is a tidy mind, so imagine how productive you’ll be working from a tidy desk! Declutter your desk, in-trays and surrounding office space ruthlessly and regularly.
You need to create a calm home office that sets the right tone for your day. Sitting at a desk free of paperwork, notepads, and empty coffee cups is the first step to guaranteeing a productive working day.
4. Establish Boundaries
One of the biggest challenges of working from home is other household members not understanding that you are, in fact, working.
This could be family, housemates or your children. Have some frank conversations and set out clear boundaries for your working hours to avoid constant noise and interruptions (although this can be easier said than done when the schools are off!).
5. Let the Light in
Working in a room that is light and airy will undoubtedly increase your productivity.
If possible, position your desk facing a window, which will enable you to reap the rewards of the natural light and give you a decent view too. Sitting with a desk facing the wall can leave you feeling demotivated and lethargic.
The aim is to increase your mood and efficiency, allowing you to work much more effectively, so any way you can stimulate your brain is beneficial.
6. Create a Happy Environment
A great benefit to working from home is that you no longer need to surround yourself with bland walls and office furniture. You will likely be spending much of your time in your office space, so make it an inviting place to be. It should be an area of your home you want to be in, not a place of dread!
Experiment with textures and colours to create a space that you enjoy, and can focus in.
Your decorating should also be balanced with ergonomics. Investing in an appropriate desk chair will enable you to work comfortably and productively, and it will save your back in the long term.
7. Productivity is Individual
Ultimately, the beauty of working from home means you can finally work in a way that makes you tick.
You might discover that you are most productive when you have rock music playing in the background, or classical notes tinkling through your ears. Maybe you love the company of the family pet by your feet whilst you work away! We are all individuals and work in different ways.
What’s important is that you grab the positives from your home-working situation and create your home office space in a way that brings out your most productive self.
If you feel your current home just isn’t meeting your lifestyle requirements, you can call the Wrights of Campsie team on 01360 739739 or email us at team@wrightsofcampsie.co.uk, we would be delighted to see if we can help you on your moving journey.