Moving from an office setup to a home workspace has been quite a change for most of us. On one hand, it comes with more independence, nore flexibility and more convenience as you work in your own space, being as comfortable as you possibly can. No long commutes, no missing out on family-time and more time for yourself are some of the things that make it a wonderful new trend. On the other hand, you face (or are tempted with) numerous distractions – snack breaks, running errands, noisy kids… to name a few.
In order to be fully invested in working from home and make it a productive solution for you and the company you work for, you first need to find a suitable work space. This could be your bedroom, living room, balcony or even the kitchen. No matter where you set up your work-from-home desk, make sure it is comfortable, has proper network connectivity, at the same time minimizes distractions and boosts productivity. If you prioritize your work and stay focused, you can get the job done and work-from-home can be a win-win for everyone involved.
Here are 5 ways to make your home office work:
1.Select a quiet location
One of the first things to do is to determine where the most ideal space to work is. When choosing a spot, it’s important to pick a place away from all distractions – kids, traffic or television noise. Since you’ll be working at home for quite some time, consider converting a corner or even a room in your home into a work office. That way, you don’t have to concern yourself with moving your work-from-home location and getting comfortable with it every day or multiple times throughout the day. So whether it’s in a balcony overlooking a quiet spot in your garden, a corner in your bedroom or a section of your living room, pick one that works for you and other members of your family. Nowadays, even working from the kitchen is not uncommon. As long as it isn’t distracting, you’re good to go
2.Maximize natural light
Once you’ve established your workspace. Set up your desk where you receive the maximum amount of natural light. It could be close to a window, this would ensure brightness for most parts of the day.
Staring at a screen for long durations of time can lead to eye strains and in addition can give you a headache. But, when you have natural light around you it relieves the pressure put on your eyes, while also helping you stay focused and concentrate better.
3.Declutter your desk
The key to working efficiently is having an organized work area. If you have files, papers and stationary scattered all over your workspace, you would only waste time searching for important items hidden under this pile. In the bargain, there is a risk of losing important documents.
Depending upon the requirements of your job, it’s best to keep only what is needed – a laptop, a printer and a few files, at the most. The rest can be arranged neatly and kept aside. Having a disposal bin near your desk can help make the job easier as you can directly discard any unwanted paper or items, not leaving it to crowd your desk.
4.Pay attention to your surrounding area
The area surrounding your workspace should be kept tidy at all times especially if you’re scheduled to have a video call. It definitely wouldn’t be a pleasant sight to see a pile of laundry or dirty dishes lying around in the background. Not only does this give a sloppy impression, but causes your employer or client to think that you aren’t committed to your job. If you know that you’re scheduled to have a video conference, make sure to check your surroundings so you can set yourself up against a backdrop of clean cabinets, a curtain or indoor plants before you switch on your camera.
5.Keep refreshments handy
When you work from home, it’s easy to get distracted with the sounds and smells emanating from the kitchen. You may remember a snack in the cupboard or a leftover treat in the fridge. Getting up every time you need a drink of water is another reason to leave your desk.
To avoid this, keep a few light snacks at hand but in an area that doesn’t tempt you. Also, place a bottle of water near your desk to help you stay hydrated, this saves you from making multiple trips to the kitchen.
Overall, a home office can be quite different from a “real office” but it doesn’t make it any less productive. The work-from-home lifestyle that’s been adopted the world over has proven that people don’t need to be physically present in an office in order to do their jobs. In fact, many professionals from cities have moved to areas like Goa to work and enjoy a better quality of life. Living in a luxury villa built by the best real estate company in Goa is an aspiration that most city-dwellers have. After all, what could be better than a beautiful, luxurious home in a gorgeous location! Working from home would truly be a dream come true when your home is safe,
