More people are working from home than ever before, and the WFH trend will stick around for quite a while longer. Many people wonder what the top work from home tips are to help them get the most out of each workday. Should you switch up work areas? Will having the TV on help you be more productive? Is a standing desk really a good thing? Find out by reading these top work from home tips.
Don’t Work In Your Living Room
Not to be the bearer of bad news, but working in your living room is not ideal. While it might feel tempting to work from your comfy living room couch, avoid this if possible. The living room can be full of distractions! Just because you’re working from home does not mean you should turn on the TV or get too cozy under a blanket. These things can suck up your productivity and focus and lead to you getting behind. Plus, working from the couch can be bad for your back and neck.
Set Up a Permanent Work Space
This is one of the top work from home tips. Setting up a space that is dedicated for working can play a huge role in your productivity! If you weren’t working from home, you would likely be going to an office every day and working from the same desk day after day. Try to keep that kind of consistency while working from home. If you have a spare bedroom or another area in the house that can be converted into an area to work each day, take the time to set it up for yourself.
Invest in Furniture for Your Work Space
Once you have found a space in your home to claim as your “office”, you will want to invest in office furniture that will be comfortable and functional. One of the most essential pieces of work from home furniture is going to be your office chair. If you work from home, it is likely from a computer that you stare into for hours at a time. Having an ergonomic office chair will do wonders for your productivity and help prevent back pain, neck pain, and fatigue throughout the day. The Steelcase Series 1 or Series 2 are excellent ergonomic office chairs that are comfortable, adjustable, and built to last. Another key piece of work from home office furniture is your desk. If you’re purchasing a new desk, consider a desk that can be raised into a standing desk. Standing desks have many benefits, such as lowering blood sugar levels and boosting your energy and mood.
Keep Your Workspace Separate from Your Personal Space
Boundaries are very important when working from home. Keeping your work and personal space separate can be quite challenging to do when you aren’t the only one working from home or if you have children who are doing virtual learning. If this is the case, try to establish some ground rules. Just because you are working at home, doesn’t mean you are available to be interrupted throughout the day. By having a separate work space, you can more easily establish rules such as, knock before entering the work area or have your kids write their questions on a note a leave it on your desk to be answered when you are ready. Whatever makes the most sense for your situation and allows you to maintain some boundaries, physically and mentally.
Stick to a Routine
Sticking to a routine throughout the workday will help you be more productive and keep you on track. Start your morning routine, and don’t skip changing out of your pajamas, even if it’s into other comfortable clothes. Eat breakfast or make your coffee like you normally would, walk the dog, workout, or whatever it is you like to do to begin your day. During the workday, plan for regular breaks, including lunch, snack breaks, or time to go outside and take a short walk. It is healthy to step away from the computer throughout the day. Maintain communication with co-workers as well, so you don’t feel too isolated. When you are finished working for the day, shut down your computer, clean up your workspace, and do your best to clock out mentally.
Get High-Quality Work From Home Furniture
Working from home is something that is becoming a long term solution for many professionals. Purchasing high-quality work from home office furniture is a worthwhile investment. By having the right office chair, desk, and storage capabilities, you can set yourself up for WHF success. Check out the selection of furniture at Marathon Building Environments to find the perfect fit for your work from home office.
