5 Ways to Maximise the Efficiency of Your Home Office
Working from home comes with a huge array of benefits including no commuter fares or office related drama, but many self-employed people fail to maximise their full potential. To increase your productivity, here are several ways to maximise the efficiency of your working environment.
Don’t Blur the Line between Home and Work
You may be working from home, but you are technically at work. Ensure that the space is distraction, clutter and family free. Any item that can serve to disturb your focus should be relegated to a separate space; that includes televisions, game consoles and gadgets. Opt for a clean, clear space. It’s essential to instigate a clear cut boundary between work and play. Behave as if you were in an office surrounded by fellow employees; this may mean deciding on a clear desk policy and storing files appropriately in draws and on shelves. The mind easily seeks to procrastinate which is why the psychological benefits of ensuring your work space is geared towards work and not play will pay huge dividends as far as productivity is concerned.
Sit Comfortably
Key causes of workplace absence include neck and back strain as well as stress. Many of these ailments can be banished with appropriate seating. Just because you are working from home, does not mean that you are automatically immune from aches, pains and strains. You need a comfortable, supportive seat. Most of us spend around 8 hours a day in a sedentary seating position. The incorrect chair can have severe health repercussions. Shop around for the desired chair and make use of back supports as and when needed.
Avoid Eye Strain
Another source of workplace woes is eye strain caused by dire lighting. Many of us don’t pay attention to the lighting we sit under day after day. Natural light is always best so try to position your office close to an appropriately positioned window. Lighting also helps to boost mood, improve sleep and ensure that you can read, write and work as required without disruption.
Opt for Fitted Furniture
Fitted furniture is the way forward for home offices. Many of us opt for cookie cutter clones that don’t take into consideration the individual differences between workers. Choosing chairs, tables, shelves, workspaces and filing cabinets sized to fit you and you work will boost comfort, security and efficiency.
Add a Personal Touch
To help motivate yourself during the long working day, adding a personal touch to your home office will make a huge difference. You want to ensure that you don’t blur the line between adding character and distracting yourself. Hang paintings, include pictures, stress balls and a pop of colour. Offices are so often sterile, uninspiring environments. The good thing about working from home is that you can spruce up your office as you please.
Take a look at some of the beautiful and efficient home office spaces we have created.