Category: Productivity

Home is where the heart is, and sometimes even where the office is. Setting up a home office is no joke. It is essential to have a good environment in the home office so as to ensure maximum productivity. Working at home is not always as easy as people with normal jobs might think. There are hundreds of distractions home workers must struggle against. Whether it’s your screaming kids and telemarketers or just the constant hunger pains from knowing the refrigerator is just behind you. So, what do freelancers do to stay productive in their home office?

Get a plant. Plants are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they convert the nasty gases you create throughout the day into the much more pleasant oxygen. Personally, I don’t keep one in the office because there are plants right outside my office window, which I’m looking at all day so if your office is next to a garden or a few trees keeping the blinds open is a cheap and effective alternative.

Set up an office space. Even if it’s only a desk in the spare room, set up an office space. Buy office supplies and set your telephone nearby. Tell yourself that when you’re in this space, you’re working. Better yet, put a sign on the door.

Home Office Design - Home office design should never be overlooked. If you decide to just simply place your computer on the kitchen counter, expect to raid the refrigerator every 15 minutes, wash dishes, mop the floor, and wipe counters. You need to understand that a home and a home office serve different purposes. When you design your home office, try to keep them as distinct as possible.

Segment your life- A common problem with working out of a home office is finding yourself thinking about work during “off hours” and about your chores and personal life when you are supposed to be working. It is also very demoralizing because despite being busy doing “things” all day and night, nothing much gets achieved.

Keep it safe. Make sure electrical equipment is plugged into a wall outlet or single, grounded, surge-protected, extension cord. Equipment should be located where it won’t over heat and can be vented. Locate a fire extinguisher nearby just in case

Don’t Sacrifice Personal Hygiene-Your home office is so close, and after a good night’s rest, you are probably ready to dive into the work you left behind the day before. But don’t put your hygiene on the back burner. Create and follow a routine each morning to get you dressed and ready for the day. It will mentally prepare you for your work day much better than just diving in aimlessly.

Stay Accessible-Just because you’re at home doesn’t mean you have to seclude yourself from colleagues or customers. Stay in contact with the other people in your business so everyone can be on the same page and focused on the same business goals. Using online collaboration and live chat tools makes this easy and rewarding for everyone.

Place your work station in a comfortable and airy area that has good natural lighting. Having a lamp on your desk top could help in reducing the strain on your eyes. Make sure that the place is not humid and gloomy since working under such conditions will not only hamper your productivity but also harm your electronic equipment.via