May 22, 2024 Avilla Area Chamber Team
In today’s fast-paced world, working remotely has become increasingly common, allowing individuals to break free from the traditional brick-and-mortar office environment. Additionally, having an at-home office and business is increasingly cost-effective, popular, and convenient for many solopreneurs. While working from the comfort of your home offers numerous benefits, having a well-setup space at home can be a game-changer, enhancing productivity and benefiting your business.
Here are some key factors in creating a workspace in your home that will keep you on track and reaching your goals.
You’ll want to pick a space in your home that is not the central location where everything happens in your home. Select a spot where you can close the door and if applicable, be easily accessible to visitors or customers.
Plenty of space and good lighting, natural light, and everything needed for your phone system, internet, printer, computer, and any other equipment which can be plugged in or connected if necessary. Don’t forget office supplies, a trash can, maybe a mini fridge or coffee pot, bookshelves, file cabinets, mats or rugs, bookcases, and a mirror – think organization and functionality.
Decorate your workspace to reflect your personality, but keep it professional, especially if you expect to have guests or customers visit. You do not want your decor to be distracting. Adding plants and paintings or photographs often help your space to feel relaxing, yet can inspire efficiency.
Select a desk chair and a desk that are comfortable, as you will be working at your desk several hours at a time and you need to be comfortable and maintain a good posture. You might find that a standing desk or an adjustable desk or chair will help you to be more productive.
Once your workspace is set up, decide upon your work hours and schedule will be. Although you can be flexible, be sure that you consider when you need to be available for your customers, partners, colleagues, and vendors.
In determining your schedule, don’t forget to plan for two 15-minute breaks and a 30-minute or an hour-long lunch. Be sure to utilize those breaks and lunchtime to get away from your workspace and maybe go outside, run errands, or simply take a short walk and of course, be sure to stay hydrated and well-nourished.
Set boundaries. Cut out as many at-home distractions as possible to avoid interruptions and disturbances that are not work-related and can wait until you are off the clock. This might include keeping your office door closed or placing a do not disturb sign on the door. You might even want to turn your home telephone or personal cell phone off during work. Don’t watch or listen to the TV or have a streaming service or social media actively visible when you’re working unless that is a significant part of your job. Let household chores wait until your workday is over. The key here is to maintain your concentration and create and maintain a balance between work and your personal life.
A well-setup workspace at home can easily increase your productivity. By providing a dedicated area where you can work without interruptions, you can stay focused while finishing projects, and meet deadlines effortlessly, which consequently keeps you on your path to success.