Creating Your Perfect Work From Home Set-Up

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Entrepreneurs and professionals alike are learning to adapt to today’s new and unfamiliar circumstances. For instance, Ebony Porter-Ike of Coinology previously discussed with us the importance of limiting client-facing operations while focusing on other aspects of their business. Similarly, companies are reducing their employees’ exposure to other people by enforcing work-from-home arrangements.

With remote work proving to be beneficial to businesses and their employees, it might be time to refine your home-based workspace. That said, keep these five tips in mind when creating your ideal home office.

Establish clear boundaries

It’s easy to blur the lines between personal life and work-life when you work remotely. The most obvious solution is to designate a space at home that’s specifically for work. It can be a small and quiet corner or a spare room, if you have one.

If there are other people at home, such as your kids, try putting a sign on the door or something that lets your housemates know they shouldn’t interrupt you. A wall divider might work, too, or noise-cancelling headphones if noise becomes an issue. No matter how you choose to do it, it’s important to establish clear boundaries for others and for yourself to achieve a better work-life balance.

Invest in the right tech tools

Picking the right hardware and software is also essential to remote work. You not only need to get your work done, but you also need tools to communicate with the rest of your team and your clients.

That said, there are plenty of options on the market. The essential tech gear includes a functional computer and peripheral devices that will ensure you’re able to carry out all of your work duties at home. Choose an entry-level computer if your work only requires basic tasks like typing and researching. But if you have a specialty, such as web design, then advanced computers, whether for desk or portable use, are more suitable. Your choice of additional tools or peripheral devices will also depend on what you do on a day-to-day basis. At the very least, you need a keyboard, a mouse, and storage for your files. You might have to fork out for a printer, a webcam, and a microphone as well. These may be where you have to spend most of your budget. But with remote work here to stay for the foreseeable future, getting the right technology is a worthwhile investment.

Prioritize comfort

A proper work desk and chair are also basic components of an ideal workspace. Consider how much time you spend sitting in front of your computer every day — that can’t be good for your spine in the long-term. To avoid getting all kinds of aches and pains, you should consider buying ergonomic furniture. Choose a chair with adequate back support and a table that lets your computer stand at eye level.

Install proper lighting

Lighting is usually an afterthought when designing an office, but it’s more important to productivity than people realize. Dim lighting can result in eye strain as well as drowsiness, fatigue, and the inability to concentrate.

Now that you have more control over your workspace, make sure that there’s ample lighting to support your work. It’s even better if you have access to natural light because it’s found to improve mood and workplace productivity. Try placing your desk next to a window or swap out your light bulbs with a brighter option.

Keep the clutter at bay

As a final tip, make sure to keep your work area as clutter-free as possible. Create storage solutions, untangle wires and keep them out of sight, and store things that are not necessary for work.

Not only is a messy desk incredibly distracting, but it can also be a source of stress and anxiety, which will eventually impact your ability to focus on work. What’s more, researchers found that a disorganized space influences your lifestyle. People tend to eat poorly when they’re surrounded by clutter, and they get low quality sleep.

If you keep everything in order, it will eventually add up to greater professional success, so it’s best to create more structure for your office set-up at home.

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