Working from home is all fun and games until you see a stack of unopened mail that needs to be taken care of, dishes that must be washed, or your pet dog that craves your attention. That’s the dilemma of every worker who stays at home: there’s a diversion anywhere you look.
But it’s not all doom and gloom for the telecommuters. With the right setup, you can live your #BeYourOwnBoss dreams and enjoy working from the comfort of your house. Here are some things to consider:
Set Boundaries
While some might perceive a work-from-home setting to be more comfortable than working in an office, it can feel the opposite for most people. Sure, if you’re a remote worker, you can bypass the drive to and from the office and have more time to spare for other things, but you also have to learn to focus and not entertain the distractions.
One way to stop a family member from interrupting your work is to create a physical threshold. You can either turn your garage or attic into your home office to separate your working space from your living area. If that’s not possible, you can set a boundary by choosing a dedicated area either in your bedroom or living room and installing a glass door that will serve as a large Do-Not-Disturb sign.
If the people in your house won’t take the boundaries you set seriously, go ahead and hang an actual Do-Not-Disturb sign at the door. They need to know that you are in work mode and must be left alone.
Invest in Your Home Office Equipment
When working on your couch, it’s easy to doze off in the middle of a conversation, especially when a colleague takes forever to reply. A professional office chair, one that is both an eye-candy and ergonomic, can significantly define your workspace. The mere sight of a proper chair can instantly inspire you to get to work. Plus, its ergonomic function helps in decreasing back pain.
Also, if the printer is in the other room, better buy a sleek yet sturdy side table in Singapore so that you’ll have everything you need in one place. The key is to set up your home office just like you would your station at an actual office.
Know Your Productivity Style
Does having an inspiration board inspire you to get to work? Do you prefer seeing a visual clutter or staring at a blank wall while picking your brain? There’s no one-size-fits-all formula when it comes to boosting one’s productivity at a work-from-home setting.
It pays to know what motivates you to keep going. If you are easily distracted, try working in a closed-off area with little to no clutter. You can also try setting up your home office in the backyard where no one—not even your pet—can distract you. Just make sure you let the sunlight in to elevate your mood.
You don’t have to break the bank to turn any area of your home into a productive workspace. As long as you know what works for you, separate your work station into your living area, and buy the right equipment, your ideal home office are a few touch-ups away.
