Working from home is now the norm in the United States. About 60% of workers in the country believe that their job can be done efficiently at home. Because of this, more and more companies are offering remote work options to their employees.
Whether you’re looking to cut down on your commute, have more flexible hours, or simply want to work in your pyjamas, there are plenty of benefits to working from home. But it’s not all roses – working from home can also be isolating, and it can be difficult to stay motivated when you have so many distractions. Here’s how you can prepare your home for it.
Get Rid of Distractions
The first step to preparing your home for remote work is eliminating distractions. This means anything that will take your focus away from your work. For some people, this may be the television or social media feeds. Others may find themselves distracted by family members or roommates.
If you can, try to set up a dedicated workspace in your home. The important thing is to have a space where you can close the door and minimize distractions.
If you can’t set up a dedicated workspace, try to create at least a physical boundary between your work and leisure areas. This could mean setting up a desk in your bedroom or living room or working at the kitchen table instead of the couch.
Set Some Ground Rules
If you live with other people, setting some ground rules to avoid distractions is important. This includes designating work hours, setting up a quiet area, and letting your roommates or family know not to disturb you during those times. You should also ensure that your pets are cared for so they don’t become disruptive.
Lastly, it’s essential to have realistic expectations when working from home. It can be easy to get caught up in trying to do too much and then feel like you’re not being productive. Accept that there will be days when you’re not as productive as you’d like and cut yourself some slack.
Organise Your Workspace
Another important step in preparing your home for remote work is to organize your workspace. This means having a place for everything and keeping your work area tidy. A cluttered desk can be distracting and make it difficult to focus on your work.
Take some time to declutter your desk and remove any non-essential items. Then, organize what’s left into neat piles or in organizational containers. Invest in a few storage solutions, like baskets or boxes, to help keep your workspace tidy.
You should also consider ergonomics when setting up your workspace. This means arranging your furniture and equipment in a way that’s comfortable and won’t cause strain on your body. For example, if you’re working at a desk, ensure the height of your chair and desk are matched, so you’re not hunching over.
Coffee, Coffee, Coffee
As a worker, coffee is one of the essential beverages you need to concentrate on. However, you can no longer rely on the coffee in your workplace or maybe a nearby coffee shop, now, you have to make your own. This can take a decent chunk of your time working and even distract you.
One way to fix this problem is by getting an efficient coffee maker. It might even be advantageous to buy a commercial coffee machine because it can make multiple cups of coffee at once. If you want to save money, you can also learn how to make your cold brew coffee since it takes less time to make and has a stronger flavour. You can also stock up on coffee beans or grounds so you won’t have to go out and buy more every time you run out.
Invest in Good Quality Office Supplies and Furniture
Just because you’re working from home doesn’t mean you should skimp on office supplies and furniture. It’s quite the opposite. Working from home can be tough on your body, especially if you don’t have the proper ergonomic setup. Investing in a good-quality chair, desk, and computer monitor is essential. Additionally, ensure your keyboard and mouse are comfortable to use and at the correct height.
You should also consider getting a standing desk converter if you want to switch between sitting and standing throughout the day. And if you plan on working from home for a long time, it might be worth considering buying a dedicated office space in your house.
Working from home can be a great way to boost your productivity and creativity. By following these tips, you can set yourself up for success when working from home.
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