Create the Perfect Home Office for Better Productivity
If you work from home you may appreciate the fact that you can be flexible with your work environment. It's true you may be able to get your work done on your laptop while sitting on the sofa, but are you kidding yourself about your productivity? Is your kitchen table really a substitute for a section of your home that's devoted to your business? A dedicated office space, no matter how small, can help you stay focused and keep yourself organized. Here are some tips on how you can create the perfect home office for better productivity.
Make the most of the space you have
Whether you have an entire room to devote to creating your office or just a corner of a room, make the most of the space to keep your office looking clutter-free. Utilize wall space by adding shelves or wall-mounted baskets to stash items you need to keep handy. Hanging flower pots can be a great place to stash pens and other small items so that they don't wind up scattered over your deskstop. If you think you don't have room for a dedicated office space, think again. Even a space as small as a closet can be turned into an office that's perfect for productivity; you just need to think creatively and make the most of every square inch of space.
Choose your desk wisely
Ergonomics play a huge role in productivity. If you aren't comfortable while you work, you'll be more likely to get distracted or even suffer from aches and pains associated with poor posture while you work. Your desk needs to keep ergonomics in mind, whether you buy a standard desk from an office furniture store, use a table in your home, or even build a desk out of shelving or other materials.
If you are using a table as a desk, make sure your chair sits at the right height to avoid strain or fatigue. You'll be able to work longer and more efficiently if you are positioned with an ergonomically correct posture. Raise or lower your chair until your feet sit flat on the floor and your wrists hover comfortably above the keyboard as you type. You may need to use a wrist rest to combat fatigue from typing. You may also want to invest in a standing desk, especially if you want to able to move around the room and reduce the health risks associated with too much sitting.
Minimize distractions
Distractions at your home office usually come in two types: clutter and other people or responsibilities you have in your home. The clutter is easily managed with some practical storage units and desk organizers. Even in a small office you can usually find the space for a small filing cabinet, so there's no excuse for not keeping the clutter at bay. However, dealing with distractions from pets, family members, and that load of laundry that's calling your name is another matter entirely.
The best way to avoid these distractions is to try and physically separate your office from the rest of the house. You may not be able to completely shout out the people and things around you, but you can create a visible barrier using a curtain or room divider. This will define the borders of your office and remind others that you are in your office to work, not tend to their needs.
Working from your home office can be challenging and rewarding. It can also be an exercise in futility if you haven't set up an office space that helps you be as productive as possible. No matter what you have to work with in your home, you can create the perfect office space and improve your productivity with a little creativity and the right office furniture. Contact a company like Desks, Inc. to get started with your plans.