How To Set Your Workspace Up For Maximum Productivity Working From Home
Carlos Batista
?Empowering Coaches, Entrepreneurs & Business Owners to Master LinkedIn for Lead Generation Without a Marketing Budget ? LinkedIn Trainer ? Business Growth Strategist?
If you work from home, there are multiple distractions that can affect your productivity. Avoid those distractions by setting up the workspace for maximum productivity. Here are some top tips to follow:
? Find the right workspace for you. Everybody works differently. You may find that you work better at your kitchen table or in your bedroom. You might prefer to work by a window or by a wall. Finding the best spot for you is key to getting more done. If you’re setting up a home office, you can design a room that is a highly productive space.
? Set yourself up close to a power outlet. You’ll probably be working on your phone and laptop. This means you need constant access to power. Don’t waste time by having to charge up your devices in a different room or away from your desk.
? Choose a well-lit space. Working in the dark reduces your productivity. Whenever possible, choose a space with plenty of natural light. Make sure you also have a lamp nearby, so you don’t strain your eyes.
? Add touches to motivate you. When you work at home, you aren’t restricted by office rules. That means you can add anything you like to your workspace. Green plants are nice touches in workspaces to improve positivity. Add photos of your loved ones or motivational quotes; anything to make you feel good and keen to get to work.
? Remove the TV. If you’re working in a public area of your home, make sure the TV isn’t on. They reduce your productivity. Even if you can hear the television from your home office you can be distracted.
? Make yourself comfortable. Find ways to make your workspace as comfortable as possible to boost your productivity. Choose a chair that supports you and reduces back pain. Make sure your laptop is at the right height for you. Open a window or adjust the air conditioning.
Avoid Distracting People
There are many benefits to working from home. However, there are some negatives too. One of the biggest is that there are probably going to be other people around. This can be a major distraction. When you work in an office, everyone around you is focusing on the same type of tasks. This minimizes the distractions associated with other people.
At home, however, your children, pets, housemates, or partner are all engaged in their own thing. It can be all too easy to get caught up in their activities rather than your own.
It's also very common for those around you to forget that you’re supposed to be working. Children often come in asking you to play. Housemates may come and ask you about preparing dinner or household chores. Your partner might pop in to engage you in conversation. None of this is helpful for your productivity.
Even friends can be a problem. When you work from home, many people fail to recognize that you’re working. They wouldn’t dream of visiting you at work for a coffee and a chat. Yet, they think nothing of coming around during your working day. This isn’t just distracting; it stops you from getting work done. As a result, you become overwhelmed and non-productive.
Establishing boundaries for your home working life is therefore vital. Set rules for your loved ones. Make sure that they know they’re not allowed to disturb you between certain hours. Make sure that you also adhere to those working hours. Don’t allow yourself to be distracted.
If someone comes in to talk to you during this period, you must reinforce the rules. Don’t give in and be persuaded to play or chat. Gently remind the disturber that you’re working, and they need to wait until you’re done. It isn’t easy to establish these boundaries. However, when the message finally gets through, you’ll find working from home becomes substantially easier.