Working from home can give you the flexibility and income you are looking for whilst being extremely satisfying, but it has its own set of challenges, too. According to a report by FlexJobs and its partners at Global Workplace Analytics, it was released that many of us are moving out of the cubicle and into the suburbs. Roughly 3 percent of American workers did their jobs from home — at least part time — in 2017. Delve into the following four things you should know if you want to work from home.
Decide How to Design Your Space
You’ll be spending a great deal of time in your home office, and so you want to take extra care and make your dedicated workspace comfortable and productive. The room should have a window to let in natural light and a door to keep work and home separate. Invest in a good chair that is comfortable, one that will prevent low back pain or worsen any existing back problem. You can also consider a standing desk to ease up on your back. They’re all the rage in the fancy downtown offices these days. Whether your work vibe is formal or whimsical, the secret to creating the best space is colour, from creative teal to a hyper-modern black accent wall with white shelves.
Learn How to Manage Distractions
One of the largest obstacles every work-from-home professional experiences is distractions. From the better half blowing up your phone to neighbours knocking on your door unexpectedly, standing your ground when you’re on the clock is essential.
If social media is keeping you from your to-do list, apps such as Stay Focused can keep you busy with your daily tasks by limiting how much time you spend surfing the web or scrolling your Instagram feed. When the day is over, literally announce, “It’s time to go home,” turn off your lights and the computer, and leave the office for the night.
Find Out Ways to Invest in Your Home’s Indoor Air Quality
Even from our home office, we won’t produce our best work when we’re not feeling well. Reduce allergies and sick days while increasing productivity by investing in your home’s indoor air quality. Routinely change air filters by having air filtering system repair and maintenance service. Have an air conditioning contractor come every 3 to 4 months to give your AC unit a thorough cleaning. Even unexpected irritants such as fresh paint, household cleaners, and pet dander are top pollutants in your home office. If you’re having trouble concentrating or getting tired in the afternoons, the air around your desk could be the culprit.
Get Ready to Expand Your Me Time
At times, working from home may feel like you’re in your own little bubble. Unless you pay attention, you can get sucked down in the black hole of working from home. You want to prevent this from happening, and so get up every few hours and take a brisk walk or do some chair yoga. Even home-based employees are allowed to take a lunch, and you should make it a priority. Reach out to friends and family for a bit of companionship and enjoy the hour. You’ll feel refreshed and ready to get back to your to-do list when you return to the office.
Whether your boss has opened up the coveted telecommuting opportunity or you’re ready to spread your wings and launch that home-based business, working from home no doubt has plenty of benefits. With the above tips, you can be on the fast track to success!
