How to Create a Productive Working Environment at Home
For a lucky few, sparing a room for a home office and not having to worry about being disturbed every 10 minutes is easy. But for many others…
Our home has always been a safe place for us to return to after work.
The past year has made our homes the only place to be in due to a worldwide pandemic.
Long gone are the days of crowded streets and packed commutes.
Today, we’ve replaced our offices and nights out with makeshift offices in the corner of the living rooms and endless Netflix series.
For a lucky few, sparing a room for a home office and not having to worry about being disturbed every 10 minutes is easy.
However, this change has made work a challenge for many, especially if they’re not the only ones at home.
The truth is, a home isn’t always an ideal place to do work. There are a lot of things you might need to change to create a workplace perfect for you.
Not to mention, homes can succumb to wear and tear, and this might get in the way of your work.
For example, a leaky pipe near your office table can be bothersome in the long run.
Repair what you can
When you spend so much time at home, you start to notice a bit of wear and tear.
Since you’re home most of the time, you can finally get started on those DIY repair projects you’ve put on the back burner since a couple of years ago.
It can also be annoying if you have to deal with constant leaks and long-term water damage.
So, while you have the time, it’s crucial to repair anything that you can to ensure that your work will remain undisturbed.
Make time to look at your home and see if there are any leaks or cracks you need to fix. Leaving these problems unchecked can cause water damage and mold growth in the future.
Waterproofing your home to prevent leaks and damage will help reduce costly repairs as well.
Manage your cables
Decluttering your workspace is vital when you want to stay focused at all times.
Imagine doing your work and getting distracted by a bunch of cables right in front of you.
So, as you assemble your home office, keep in mind to manage your cables the best you can to reduce clutter and make cleaning easier.
Not to mention, poor cable management can also be a safety hazard. Tangled cables don’t just cause tripping; they can also cause fires and overheating.
By detangling and keeping your cables neat and tidy, you’re helping fireproof your home and making your home office a safer environment.
This will also reduce the chances of you dealing with fire damage in the future.
Eliminate distractions
Get rid of any distractions such as televisions, toys, or pets.
Also, remind your family or friends if they are in the same house not to disturb you during your working hours.
Suppose you have a separate room to work in; put up a sign as a friendly reminder.
Working from home has its perks, but it can become a disaster without personal accountability and cause significant problems for your job.
Another thing you can do is have proper breaks in between working hours. This way, you’ll be well-rested, and the chances of you procrastinating will be lower.
Have a definitive finish time
It can be challenging to log off when the clock strikes at 5 PM, and it can be tempting to stay on the computer a bit longer.
We advise you to stop, log out, and shut your computer down before you spend another hour.
You can even use a time tracking software to make sure you’re not overworking.
Staying after working hours isn’t going to do you any good. It’ll make you even more exhausted, and it’s not a healthy habit to keep.
Read more: How to Support Your Team and Avoid Burnout During WFH
Working from home is no easy feat. Although many perks come with it, employees also face a lot of challenges.
Many workers don’t have the luxury of having a personal workspace in their homes and often experience distractions.
Unlike an office, a house isn’t designed ideally for working, so it may be challenging to maintain focus and productivity.
With these four tips, we hope your remote working experience will be a bit better. Got any tips that helped you get through the year? Let us know in the comments below!
