Life in the midst of a pandemic is far from what we’re used to, but the reality is, this is the new normal for the indefinite future. For many of us, this transition means big changes for work life. For healthcare workers, the COVID-19 pandemic means longer hours, for grocery store cashiers, it’s taking more protective measures than usual, and for many, it means changing over into a fully remote workforce.
Whether you’re working from home due to the global pandemic or just as part of your standard operating procedures, there are a few work from home secrets you need to know about. In this post, we’ll share five ways to perfect your home office so that it’s more conducive to creativity, focus, and productivity.
1. Find your optimal setting
The most important part of your at-home office space is its location, which is not always easy to find depending on your living situation. If possible, we recommend finding a space in your home that’s mostly secluded, this will naturally help eliminate distractions from pets, family members, and housemates. What’s more, separating your workspace will create a much-needed barrier between your professional life and your personal life.
If you don’t have a spare room available, consider investing in a room divider which helps forge a temporary separation of space from the office and the rest of your home. If you suspect that you’ll only work from home while the pandemic runs its course, creating this space isn’t so essential, but your work and sanity will surely benefit.
2. Get the supplies you need
Shifting your work from the office to your home can impact your workflow in many different ways, including your access to essential work materials. For some remote workers, an internet connection and a computer are enough to get them through the workweek, but others may need much more equipment to get their jobs done.
If you’re a graphic designer, for example, you may need to create print materials with a laser printer to bring your designs to life for your customers. Or, if you’re a baker, you may need professional baking supplies that you don’t have in your home kitchen.
If working from home means that you don’t have access to these things, let your employer know. Between the two of you, you’ll likely be able to come to some agreement where they’ll subsidize the materials or lend out their own temporarily.
3. Add some inspirational and personal touches
This tip is easy to forego, but we’d consider it an essential piece of any successful home office, especially if you’re a creative professional. A family photo, desk plant, art print, or travel knick knack can bring in the inspiration or simple joy that you need to make it through the workday, especially during these tough times.
4. Limit disruptions
Depending on your home life, limiting your distractions can be pretty hard to do. Whether you’ve got kids at home from school or a pet that just wants to be played with, there are some things that you just can’t do much to control or eliminate, that’s why it’s so important to minimize the distractions that you do have power over. Here are a few tips to help you do that:
- Set office hours with your family or housemates and do your best to keep disruptions to a minimum during this time.
- Invest in noise-cancelling headphones to reduce surrounding noise.
- Keep your office area clean so that you’re not tempted to fuss around with laundry or other cleaning tasks during the workday.
- Take breaks! Breaks are a much-needed form of distraction, they allow you to reset, get some fresh air, stretch your legs, and prepare you to come back to your desk ready to finish the workday strong.
5. Streamline communication
Many companies have dismissed the productivity and possibility of a remote workforce simply because they don’t think virtual communication is feasible for their staff, but that’s entirely misguided. Remote communication can in many ways be more efficient for your team, you just need the right tools and a reliable workforce to make it happen! To keep collaboration and communication up to par, suggest that your company invest in an internal messaging system, time-tracking software, and a project management platform.
Already a work from home expert? Share your best tips in the comment section below!
