How to create a productive home office environment
I have come to learn that our environment really has a huge impact on our work productivity. I was once visiting my sister who has a six year old boy. My aim was to get my work done as per usual, but boy was I in for a big surprise! My nephew constantly disturbed my work. I ended up not getting through my to-do list that day. If you’re like me and need to get things done at home, these few tips might assist you in becoming more productive and having more control over your work environment:
1. Workspace
The first thing you need to consider is your workspace. If you’re working from home, consider using a room that is far from the TV room or lounge area. Any noise coming through to your office will likely be a distraction.
2. Equipment
The most frustrating thing is having slow internet connection or a slow computer. It can reduce your productivity significantly due to the waiting time. Ensure that you invest in good hardware and software to boost productivity.
3. Consider Feng Shui
Feng shui is “an ancient Chinese belief that the way your house is built or the way that you arrange objects affects your success, health, and happiness” (http://dictionary.cambridge.org/dictionary/english/feng-shui)
Good feng shui means clearing clutter, having good air quality, having good lighting and using the right colors in your office. Consider adding a pot plant and rearranging your furniture in a way that best represents you.
You need to be comfortable in your own space. Put your favourite quote on the wall or a picture that keeps you motivated on your table. Keep it tidy and fresh at all times.
4. Spacing
Don’t have your laptop in one room and your printer down the hall. This will create a lot of distraction and reduce your productivity. In one of my previous work environments we used to have the printer in the hallway next to the kitchen. We found that employees would walk down to the printer and then lose track of time making coffee and talking to other employees. A short break is beneficial, but it is easy to get side-tracked when your resources are not all in one place.
5. Signage
Have you ever walked down a hall then saw a sign saying ’’Silence, test in progress”? What was your reaction? If you’re like me, you immediately kept quiet and made a conscious effort to keep the noise down.
Signs work. Have a polite sign at your door to remind those living with you to be conscientious that you are working.
Conclusion
If you follow these 5 tips you are on your way to getting more done in your day!
If you have any story or advice on how you have made your home environment more productive, please leave a comment below.
Comments
24 responses to “How to Create a Productive Home Office Environment”
I am office bound since last yr.My paperwork has piled up on my desk and I keep telling myself that I need to start filing them. I look at my desk and feel overwhelmed. I need a more productive yr so before February 2016 desk will be cleared. Thanks for article Greta
Thank you Nana, organisation is indeed very important in order to increase productivity. Let me know if you reach your goal for February 2016.
oh wow Great Article.
Thank you Charly. Keep following the blog to receive more articles.
Great advice. I will certainly try these!
Thank you Tuliza. Do let me know how it goes.
I totally agree! Especially Feng Shui is definitely worth trying.
Thank you Shirley. Living in China has taught me the benefits of Chinese culture. Please do try and let me know if you are more productive.
I prefer going to my office on weekends because I can’t get the work done at my house . definitely these tips will help me a lot. this is so inspirational of you. I love it and thank you.
Thank you Fiston. Yes, do try these tips so that you no longer have to work from the office on weekends.
Extremely helpful article especially for a student like me trying to complete her degree
Thank you Randy. Keep following the blog for more articles.
I work in an office, but I continue working after hours. It’s not always easy with all the distractions around me.Thanks for your suggestions. I will try them out and let you know how it goes.
I wish more working women would read this. It took me awhile to understand this working with a child challenge. Thanks for the insight.
Thank you Sandra. Children can be a distraction at home, but following these tips will surely help you to get more done. There is another article that I think you might like- “5 Energy Management Tips To Be More Productive”.
You have made very good points.
Thank you, make sure to have a look at the blog titled “5 Energy Management Tips To Be More Productive”.
Very wise and inspirational advice .
Thank you very much.
Excellent tips, I really needed this cause I’m the type of person who struggles to be productive. This will definitely help me, thank you
Thank you Joice, if you are struggling with productivity, there is an article that you might find interesting. The title is “5 Energy Management Tips To Be More Productive”.
These steps are very helpful, especially the printer one; my printer is in the passage and I can attest that it is very distracting.
I totally agree,
1.Make sure your home office looks just like a real office,to give that respect of “I’m at work now”,because work is one of the respected place in the world,I mean you tell a toddler you going to work,that baby won’t cry,but tell the baby you going to spar shop,she/he won’t let you go without her.that’s how work is respected.
2.Have everything you wil need to use in the office to avoid up and downs. Its important to have your own preferable chair and adjust it the way you’ll feel comfortable since you’ll be in the office for hours.
Great tip, thanks ?