8 Tips for Setting Up a Productive Work From Home Office

If a deep inhale of eucalyptus or rosemary makes you happy, then it’s a good addition to your home workspace. If you happen to have disinfectant wipes on hand, it wouldn’t hurt to keep some of those in your home office space as well, as long as they’re safe for the surfaces you have. Getting a handle on your cable situation can seriously improve the looks and functionality of your workspace. Set aside time to unplug and detangle everything, as well as gather up a few inexpensive materials for tidying up messy cables. They include Velcro One-Wraps , zip ties (though don’t cinch them tightly if your cords are doubled over), painter’s tape, and even toilet paper rolls. You don’t need to blow half your paycheck at a home organization store to tidy up your cables, and often you can go from messy to beautifully tidy in less than 15 minutes. We have plenty of additional tips for video calls to make sure you look and sound your best.

You can buy a desk meant for standing, although the prices can be steep. You can also DIY it if you have some basic carpentry skills. Finally, you can add a riser to your regular desk to put your computer monitor on, making it easier to work standing up. Good lighting makes all the difference for video calls, but it also makes a huge difference to your mood and circadian rhythms. Digital boundaries are important for optimal health and to prevent you from working when you’re technically off the clock. Don’t make it too easy to work when you’re doing something else and you’ll be less likely to succumb to the temptation. If you have a small nook under the stairs, a hallway or even the living room, it could be suitable to neatly fit a small desk and a chair without it encroaching on the space itself.

Use a separate phone number.

If your current job isn’t remote work-friendly, you can go remote by starting your own business as a freelancer or a consultant. Fight boredom and loneliness by frequent communication with other employees.

There are apps, such as TimeOut for Mac and Smart Break for Windows, that let you set a schedule for when you’ll lock yourself out of your computer. RescueTime also has a pause feature that lets you time 15-minute and one-hour breaks. Set an alarm or timer on your phone, or mind the time with a standard clock. No matter how you track your breaks, make sure to take them in their entirety. For example, if you plan for an hour break and return to your desk after only 40 minutes, walk away for another 20. I’ve worked 100% remotely for around eight years straight, with a few years of partial remote work before that. Most of my remote work experience happened long before the COVID-19 pandemic.

Teams

Sometimes children can’t help stopping by your working space. In this case, ask them to help you with some easy tasks, for example, with packaging. If your family members aren’t used to you working at home, ask them not to disturb you.

And while it may be tempting to buy the “bargain” office furniture, don’t forget about what that bargain price gets you. Choose a location with some natural light and a view if possible. Position your desk to face the windows or in a location home office tips where your computer screen will not be affected. If not, plan for some additional seating in your home office design to allow for sit-down meetings. This can be as simple as 1-2 comfortable chairs, which are easy to pull up to your desk.