While the COVID-19 pandemic may have made it necessary for companies to send their teams home to work remotely, it seems that the arrangement is here to stay. Employers have noticed the cost-saving benefits, and the employees are more than happy to spend more time at home and avoid the daily commute.
If you are a remote employee, then it is important that you have a quiet place to work. Today, we will tell you the benefits of creating your own space and how to take it to the next level.
It Is Important To Make Your Own Space
While many people enjoy the idea of having a structured life where they go to the office every day, others prefer to stay and work from home. If you enjoy working remotely, then you should consider continuing to do so. This is a chance to improve your work-life balance and spend more time with your loved ones. Sometimes the drive to and from work can take up an extra couple of hours per day, while a remote arrangement allows you to see your family in the next room.
Although employees enjoy the idea of working from home, many people are doing it wrong by not setting up a dedicated workspace. Some people choose to lie on their bed with a laptop or sit at the dining room table, but doing so hampers your productivity because you are not sitting at a desk with a supportive chair. When you have your own office or a corner of a room dedicated to work, then you can get more done.
It is also important to avoid working in a common area of the home because doing so makes it too easy to blur the lines of an acceptable work-life balance. You need to have boundaries for remote work and leave your office space at the same time every day. When you do, clock out, leave your work phone on your desk, and turn off the lights in the room. Doing so will signify that you are done with at-home work while also saving money on your electric bill. You can also save money by keeping the lights off during the day and using the natural light via your windows.
A Clean and Productive Space
When it comes to your workspace, find a chair and a suitable desk that will allow you to sit up straight without slouching. Ideally, your computer screen should be at such a height that your eyes line up with the top of the screen when staring forward. Spend a few extra dollars to buy a suitable chair that will support your back and neck and keep you engaged throughout the day.
Some remote employees opt to stay fit during the day by incorporating a standing desk into their setup. Standing desks have become more common over the years, and they allow you to keep the blood flowing through your body all day long, and they ensure that you stay alert and ready for any new email or task that comes along your way.
The issue with any desk, especially a standing model, is that you will likely be dealing with a lot of hanging cables from your computer tower, screens, and other peripherals. With a little time and smart planning, you can properly manage hanging cables by installing a cable tray that will hold and obscure those unsightly wires. You can also opt to purchase a wireless keyboard and mouse to eliminate those cables altogether.
Maintain a Professional Environment
Productivity and professionalism are key when working remotely. Some employees get so comfortable that they may work while wearing their pajamas. If possible, consider wearing business casual attire, as doing so will put you in a more productive mood. You can complete your ensemble by wearing special glasses that filter out the blue light from your computer monitor, so you can work without eye strain.
If your work involves being an active participant in video conferences, then you will want to ensure that you are exuding professionalism during these meetings. Situate your desk so that you are facing a window to avoid glare. Additionally, virtual postal addresses often come with added perks like access to meeting rooms in prestigious locations. This is invaluable for those occasional face-to-face client meetings. Personally, I’ve found https://virtually-there.net/virtual-offices/ to be a robust solution for all my business’s virtual office needs. Also, make sure that you have a professional background. Instead of books or knick-knacks that may distract your team, opt for a blank wall, a nice piece of wall art, or input a virtual background, which is an option on most video conferencing apps.
Finally, consider painting your office space a color that encourages productivity, like blue or green. Both options can be very calming and help you to focus on the job at hand.
As you can see, there are many ways that you can enhance your remote workspace for maximum productivity. Consider these tips and you will continue to impress your boss from home.
